Suunto bearing compasses are designed to combine extreme accuracy with ease and speed of operation. The accuracy is 1/3°, graduation 1/2° and the compass weighs only 115 g. The flat, compact housing has no protruding or adjustable parts and are designed to stand up to heavy-duty wear. The compasses are water resistant.

The cards of these compasses are immersed in a special dampening fluid that ensures vibrationless, smooth movement. They are pivoted on polished sapphire tips. The veering assembly is to all intents and purposes subject to no wear and the liquid remains clear and its viscosity low under all conditions.

The compasses have been given permanent anti-static treatment. The lens apertures of the Suunto KB-14 and KB-20 types are restricted horizontally by a column, which automatically centers the eye on the optical axis, thus eliminating parallax.

There is also a rubber cover accessory for all the Suunto KB-14 versions that is made of a saltwater and UV-resistant mixture of EPDM and natural rubber.