Bsun Akashi vs. KTT Ash Gray
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Ash Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch. The Akashi switch is renowned for its unique design featuring a UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom, creating a distinct sound profile that is both bright and rich. The Ash Gray switch, on the other hand, is praised for providing a tactile response that is substantial yet gentle, offering a perfect balance of feedback. While the Akashi switch is characterized by its clacky and creamy feel, the Ash Gray switch is known for being easy-to-press and mild. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
37g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and KTT Ash Gray both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Akashi utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Ash Gray incorporates a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray allows for RGB lighting effects due to its translucency, providing a visually appealing element to the switch. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics.
Although the Bsun Akashi and KTT Ash Gray share a nylon bottom housing material, they differ in their top housing material, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The POM top housing of the Akashi creates a unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. While both switches offer a fuller sound profile due to their nylon bottom housing, the top housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound experience. Additionally, the translucency of the Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing allows for customizable RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch.
The split housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and KTT Ash Gray impact the sound and feel of key presses in different ways. The bottom housing material, whether nylon for both switches, has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material, whether POM for the Akashi or polycarbonate for the Ash Gray, influences the sound when letting go of a key. This demonstrates how the combination of housing materials in a switch can affect the overall typing experience, from the sound profile to the tactile feedback of the keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch to the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch, it is evident that the Akashi is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Akashi requires 37 grams of force to actuate and 43 grams to bottom out, while the Ash Gray needs 38 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out. This makes the Akashi better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods with ease. On the other hand, the Ash Gray provides a slightly heavier push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Overall, the Akashi is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Ash Gray, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. The Akashi switch provides a slightly deeper press compared to the Ash Gray switch, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and key feel.Both switches will provide a similar experience due to their close travel distance measurements.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Akashi has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Akashi for $3.70.
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky and sharp sound, providing a crisp and bright bottom-out experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced, in various settings. The sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel, the Akashi linear switch provides a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, with gentle resistance and a more approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Overall, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their distinct tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch stands out for its unique tactile feedback and resonant sound, providing a novel typing experience with its smooth stem and distinct housing combo. On the other hand, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a light touch with a crisp actuation, delivering a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response for a comfortable typing experience. While each switch has its own subjective qualities in sound and feel, both aim to provide users with an enjoyable and responsive typing experience tailored to their preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Bsun Akashi and KTT Ash Gray switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a unique, resonant typing experience with each keystroke, the Akashi linear switch with its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium-light bottom out force and a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, the Ash Gray tactile switch with its easy-to-press and mild feel could suit your needs better. Consider the sound profile and typing feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what will provide you with the most enjoyable and comfortable typing experience.
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