Bsun Akashi vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Flame Red, both linear switches. The Akashi stands out for its unique design featuring a UPE stem for smooth tactile feedback and a hybrid housing made of POM and nylon for a distinct sound profile. This combination results in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with deep acoustic richness, offering a novel keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Flame Red is known for its visually appealing light diffuser, making it ideal for backlit RGB keyboards. Typing on the Flame Red switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile. Although both switches have their own strengths and are categorized differently in terms of feel, sound, and overall characteristics, it is important to delve deeper into the specifics to determine the best switch for individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
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
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and TTC Flame Red switches both offer unique sound profiles, with the Akashi utilizing POM for the top housing and nylon for the bottom, while the Flame Red uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing. POM creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound in the Akashi switches, while nylon in the Flame Red switches elicits a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
While the Akashi's POM top housing may offer a unique and pleasing sound, the Flame Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for a more absorbent quality, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM material. However, both switches ultimately deliver a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials contributing to the overall sound profile of the switches.
When comparing the bottom housings of the Bsun Akashi and TTC Flame Red switches, both utilize nylon material which enhances the deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The impact of the bottom housing is especially noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. While the top and bottom housing materials may differ in the Akashi switches, the Flame Red's use of nylon for both components results in a consistent sound experience throughout the keystroke. Ultimately, whether it's POM or nylon, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi is the lighter of the two. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Flame Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams. The Akashi provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Flame Red offers a slightly heavier feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide a different typing feel due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users with different preferences. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter touch should opt for the Akashi, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may prefer the Flame Red.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it can be seen that the Akashi has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Flame Red the longer option between the two. The difference in travel distance may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Akashi's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers who need to make rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Flame Red's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press for those who prefer a more traditional feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and how it affects the overall typing or gaming 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 TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 offers a unique and resonant experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound due to the UPE stem and distinctive POM top and nylon bottom housing combo. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red linear switch provides a neutral sound profile suitable for various purposes, with a moderate actuation force requirement. While the Akashi switch leans towards a more distinct and clacky sound, the Flame Red switch offers a more versatile and middle-ground sound that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Akashi switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless feel with reduced friction and fluid key travel. In contrast, the TTC Flame Red switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their feel, but the Akashi switch leans towards a more luxurious and refined typing experience with its creamy and snappy characteristics.
Overall, while the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches excel in providing a quality typing experience. The Akashi switch stands out with its unique sound profile and luxurious feel, making it a premium choice for users seeking a distinct and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch offers a more versatile sound and a gentle, approachable feel that caters to a wider range of users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and visual aesthetics, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their specific typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, consider your desired typing experience. If you prioritize a unique, resonant feel with a light actuation force, the Akashi might be the best choice for you. The creamy, frictionless, and polished feel of the Akashi switch will provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a visually appealing switch with a medium-light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the Flame Red switch could be more suitable for you. The polished and mild feel of the Flame Red switch offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and visual aesthetics.
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