Bsun Akashi vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options to explore are the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Darling, both linear switches but offering distinct experiences. The Akashi stands out for its unique design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness, a POM top, and nylon bottom housing. This combination results in a bright, crisp bottom-out sound combined with deep acoustic richness, providing a novel and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Darling offers a chewy and substantial typing sensation with pronounced bounciness and high-pitched resonant sound. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'easy-to-press', the Darling is characterized as 'bouncy', 'clacky', and 'high-pitched'. Consider your preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile when choosing between these switches. 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
45g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and KTT Darling both offer unique housing materials that cater to different sound preferences. The Akashi features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the Darling utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. On the other hand, both switches have nylon bottom housing, which produces a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics.
While the Akashi and Darling share a common nylon bottom housing material, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profiles. The POM top housing of the Akashia creates a more subdued sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Darling offers a sharper and more pronounced sound. This contrast in sound can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to the softness of POM, impacting the resonance and clarity of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the choice of housing material in the top housing can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and KTT Darling contribute significantly to the sound profiles of these switches. While both switches feature a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the choice between POM and polycarbonate top housing results in different sound characteristics. The POM top housing of the Akashi delivers a more muted sound, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Darling creates a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials determines the overall typing experience and sound profile of these switches.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the KTT Darling linear switch. The Akashi requires 37 grams of force to actuate and 43 grams to bottom out, while the Darling needs 45 grams to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out. This makes the Akashi ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Darling provides a slightly more substantial feel with its heavier forces, catering to users who like a bit more resistance when typing. Both switches offer a smooth linear action, so regardless of the force differences, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and performance.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Darling linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches provide a shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Akashi switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a bit more depth when typing. Overall, the Darling switch may feel slightly more sensitive due to its shorter travel distance, while the Akashi switch may offer a bit more resistance and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound profile, offering a sharp and percussive bottom-out sound with deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch also produces a clacky sound, but with a higher-pitched resonance that adds a springy and engaging auditory feedback to each keystroke. Both switches provide a unique and satisfying sound experience, with the Akashi offering a brighter tone and the Darling emphasizing a more resonant and high-pitched sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and effortless key presses. Conversely, the KTT Darling linear switch is characterized by its bouncy feel, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback that adds a lively rebound sensation to each keystroke. While the Akashi focuses on providing a silky and responsive typing feel, the Darling excels in delivering a bouncy and substantial tactile experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch each offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi boasts a clacky and resonant sound with a creamy and easy-to-press feel, while the Darling features a clacky and high-pitched sound paired with a bouncy tactile sensation. Both switches provide a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences, with the Akashi emphasizing smoothness and responsiveness, and the Darling highlighting a chewy and substantial feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a bright and crisp sound with a silky typing feel or a high-pitched resonance with a bouncy feedback during typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for a light bottom out force and a unique tactile feedback experience with a resonant sound, the Akashi may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a chewy and substantial typing sensation with bouncy feedback, and a high-pitched, resonant sound profile, the Darling might be more suitable for your typing style. Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully to determine which switch aligns best with your typing needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities and it's important to choose the one that best suits your typing preferences.
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