Bsun Kiki Red vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their linear design. The Kiki Red is known for its finely-tuned typing experience, providing a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch showcases a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. The Kiki Red is favored for its medium-light weighting and smooth actuation, making it a preferred choice for those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. In contrast, the Xinhai switch embodies subtle sophistication and precise performance with its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem. While both switches offer a range of characteristics such as being clacky and creamy, the Kiki Red is noted for being frictionless and polished, while the Xinhai is described as bouncy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Kiki Red features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Xinhai utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The top housing of a switch plays a significant role in the sound when a key is released, and with these materials, users can experience different auditory feedback based on their preference.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Kiki Red utilizes a POM material, which also contributes to the deep and muted sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the Xinhai incorporates a nylon bottom housing that elicits a fuller and deeper sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to POM. These differences in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of the switches.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Kiki Red and the HMX Xinhai have contrasting top and bottom housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The POM housing of the Kiki Red provides a pleasing and deeper sound, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate and nylon housing offer a sharper and fuller sound, respectively. Whether you prefer a more muted sound or a crisper sound, both switches have something to offer in terms of acoustic feedback and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference and the desired sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that both switches are relatively light in terms of force required for typing. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the Xinhai is slightly lighter than the Kiki Red in terms of actuation and bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai may be the better choice. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a slightly stronger push feel, the Kiki Red could be more desirable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Kiki Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Xinhai. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for gamers seeking quicker response times. However, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and may not make a significant impact on the overall feel and performance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the travel distance and how it affects typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
The HMX Xinhai comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Bsun Kiki Red and the HMX Xinhai linear switches both offer a distinctively clacky sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This provides a satisfying auditory feedback that is crisp, bright, and percussive. While the Kiki Red is described as having a comfortably high-pitched clacky nuance without excessive loudness, the Xinhai embodies a softer acoustics profile, thanks to its unique PA12 top housing.
In terms of feel, the Kiki Red offers a creamy and polished typing experience with medium-light weighting, contributing to a smooth and buttery sensation during actuation. The smoothness is enhanced by the POM housing and stem materials. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a lively and silky typing experience with rebound when pressed. The POM stem in the Xinhai adds a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance to the typing feel.
Overall, both the Bsun Kiki Red and HMX Xinhai linear switches offer a pleasing clacky sound profile and a smooth, buttery typing experience. While the Kiki Red leans towards a higher-pitched clacky nuance and a more polished feel, the Xinhai provides a softer acoustics profile and a bouncy typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a finely-tuned typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the following guidelines: If you value a finely-tuned tactile experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance and a bouncy feel, the Xinhai switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences for sound profile, tactile feel, and typing experience.
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