Bsun Akashi vs. TTC Brother
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Brother switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and TTC Brother offer distinct experiences for users. The Akashi is a linear switch known for its UPE stem for smoothness and a unique housing combo of POM top and nylon bottom, providing a bright, crisp bottom-out sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Brother clicky switch stands out for its lightweight nature and satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, thanks to its breezy actuation of just 37g. While the Akashi is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Snappy', the Brother is 'Crunchy', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped'. Each switch has its own appeal and advantages, but diving deeper into their individual characteristics will help you determine the best one suited for your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
17.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Brother switches both offer unique sound profiles based on their composition. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper, more muted sound, while the Brother's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched tone. The use of polycarbonate in the Brother switch results in a crisper and more resonant sound due to the stiffness of the plastic. In contrast, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer composition. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their top and bottom housing materials.
Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing of the TTC Brother switch allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting due to its translucency, offering a visually appealing feature. In comparison, the POM top housing of the Bsun Akashi provides a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Brother switch's use of nylon may result in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Akashi. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user values a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more muted tone.
When considering the effects of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switch, it is important to note that each material brings different qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that can vary based on the switch design. Whether opting for the Bsun Akashi or the TTC Brother, users can expect a unique sound profile and tactile experience based on the combination of housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch have similar actuation forces, both requiring 37 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Akashi is lighter with 43 grams compared to the Brother's unknown bottom out force. The Akashi's lighter bottom out force may be more appealing to those who prefer a smoother typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Brother switch's heavier bottom out force, while unknown, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Overall, the Akashi is the lighter option between the two switches, making it ideal for users who prioritize a lighter typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, there is a slight difference in their measurements. The Akashi has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Brother has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Brother clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Akashi linear switch. This means that the Brother switch may provide a slightly quicker response time when typing or gaming, which could be preferred by some users. On the other hand, the Akashi switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke feel for those who prefer more depth in their switches. Ultimately, both switches fall within a similar range of travel distances and will offer comparable results in terms of overall performance.
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 TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 sharp and snappy "clacky" sound, providing a bright and percussive feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. While both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, the Akashi leans towards a sharper sound profile, while the Brother offers a more tactile and crunchy sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Akashi switch is praised for its creamy and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke. The Brother switch, on the other hand, provides an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, the Brother switch is described as stepped, offering a tactile feedback that feels mild in comparison to hypertactile switches. Both switches prioritize ease of use, with the Akashi focusing on smoothness and the Brother emphasizing light actuation force and tactile response.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and TTC Brother clicky switch offer unique sound and feel profiles to cater to different preferences. The Akashi delivers a clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel, ideal for those seeking a smooth and sharp typing experience. Meanwhile, the Brother switch provides a crunchy sound and easy-to-press, stepped feel, perfect for users looking for a tactile and light typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring a personalized typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Brother clicky switch, your choice will ultimately depend on your preference for tactile feedback, sound, and typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and resonant keystroke with a bright, crisp bottom-out, then the Akashi linear switch with its unique UPE stem and hybrid housing design may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a clicky switch with a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature and a balanced tactile bump that offers a light and effortless typing experience, then the TTC Brother clicky switch with its breezy actuation may be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your typing style and preferences carefully to select the switch that best aligns with your desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, providing a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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