Bsun Akashi vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Flaming Purple mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Akashi stands out for its UPE stem and hybrid housing, providing a smooth and crisp bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Snappy', these switches offer a novel and resonant tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple offers a resonant character with a slightly bassier sound signature, adding a poppy undertone to keypresses. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Feathery', and 'Low-pitched', these switches provide a swift and effortless typing experience, appealing to both enthusiasts and daily typists. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the TTC Flaming Purple both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, allowing for a unique combination of sound profiles. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the overall design. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
Despite having different top housing materials, both the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Flaming Purple offer a balance of qualities in their housing materials. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches adds to the overall typing experience by creating a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the user's auditory feedback while typing. This commonality in nylon housing showcases the importance of material choice in influencing the sound profile of mechanical switches.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Flaming Purple plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience of the switches. While the Akashi's POM top housing offers a unique and pleasing sound, the Flaming Purple's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound. The shared nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, highlighting the importance of material composition in achieving desired sound characteristics. Ultimately, each housing material brings its own qualities to the table, allowing for a versatile range of sound profiles in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it is clear that both switches fall on the lighter end of the force spectrum. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Flaming Purple has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods. However, the Akashi is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Flaming Purple. This difference might be subtle, but for those who are particularly sensitive to weight variations in switches, it could be a determining factor in their choice. Ultimately, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a light touch, catering to users who prioritize prolonged typing comfort over a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Despite this small difference, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Akashi's slightly longer travel distance may provide a bit more depth in the keystroke, while the Flaming Purple's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking a more immediate and responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between these 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 TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch provides a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, thanks to its UPE stem and unique housing combo of POM top and nylon bottom. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch offers a slightly bassier undertone, contributing to a more resonant and engaging auditory experience. While the Akashi exhibits a clacky sound profile, the Flaming Purple leans towards a more resonant and low-pitched tone, enhancing the typing experience with a touch of poppy flair.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi switch is described as creamy, frictionless, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is noted for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal exertion from the fingers and reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches provide a silky typing sensation, ensuring a comfortable and effortless keystroke for enthusiasts and daily typists alike.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi and TTC Flaming Purple linear switches offer distinct characteristics in both sound and feel. While the Akashi delivers a resonant and sharp sound with a creamy and polished typing feel, the Flaming Purple provides a bassier undertone and a feathery touch to the typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound profile and typing sensation, users can choose between the bright and clacky Akashi or the bassier and easy-to-press Flaming Purple switch to cater to their individual typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches promise a unique and engaging typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Akashi linear switch or the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a switch that offers a bright, crisp bottom-out sound with a creamy, frictionless feel, the Akashi may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a switch with a bassier sound profile and a feathery, silky feel, the Flaming Purple could be more suited to your typing style. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, so it's essential to consider what aspects of sound and feel are most important to you before making your decision. Ultimately, your personal preference will guide you towards the switch that best matches your typing needs.
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