Bsun Akashi vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and TTC Honey mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, they offer distinctive qualities that may appeal to different preferences. The Akashi stands out with its unique UPE stem for smoothness and a housing combo of POM top and nylon bottom, providing a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Honey switches are known for their smooth and creamy feel, coupled with a deep and pleasant sound profile. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'silky', and 'snappy', the Honey is characterized as 'subdued', 'buttery', and 'polished'. Both switches offer a different typing experience - the Akashi being more resonant and the Honey more subtle. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and TTC Honey switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Akashi features a POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Honey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Honey is especially beneficial for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the bottom housing front, the Akashi's nylon material offers a fuller and deeper sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound.
Despite their differences, both the Akashi and Honey switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound profiles. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Akashi absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, whereas the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Similarly, the POM top housing of the Akashi creates a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper side, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Honey delivers a sharper and more defined sound. It is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting both the bottom-out sound when typing and the sound upon key release.
In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Akashi and TTC Honey switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The Akashi's combination of POM and nylon housing materials offers a unique and deep sound profile, while the Honey's polycarbonate construction provides a crisper and sharper sound. Whether you prefer a more muted and absorbent typing experience or a clear and resonant sound, both switches cater to different preferences with their housing materials. Regardless of the differences, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profile is crucial in selecting the right switch for your typing needs.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the TTC Honey linear switch which has an actuation force of 42 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Akashi requires 43 grams while the Honey needs 50 grams to bottom out. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, with the Akashi being slightly lighter overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Akashi, while those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback may opt for the Honey. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and the amount of force one is comfortable with.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances like the Akashi for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Honey. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response speed.
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 Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound with a bright and percussive tone during each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch is described as subdued, providing a more dampened and subtle sound profile compared to most switches. The Akashi switch produces a unique, resonant experience with its contrast between the stem and hybrid housing, while the Honey switch offers a deep and pleasant sound experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of typing on these switches, both the Bsun Akashi and TTC Honey are described as creamy and frictionless, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. Additionally, they both have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Akashi switch is also described as snappy, providing a super responsive typing experience. In comparison, the Honey switch is described as buttery and subtle, maintaining a light typing feel suitable for shared spaces. Overall, both switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound profile, along with a creamy and frictionless typing feel that is snappy and easy to press. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a subdued and pleasant sound, combined with a creamy and buttery typing experience that is polished and subtle. Both switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience, making them suitable choices for users looking for a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision between the Akashi and Honey switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the TTC Honey linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a switch with a distinctive sound contrast and a bright, crisp bottom-out experience, then the Akashi may be the right choice for you. The creamy and polished feel of the Akashi provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a frictionless and silky sensation while typing. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a deep and pleasant sound profile and a smooth and buttery typing feel, then the TTC Honey linear switch might be more to your liking. The creamy and frictionless feel of the Honey offers a seamless and uniform typing sensation, making it ideal for individuals who prefer a subtle and polished typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it is important to consider what type of typing experience you value most when making your decision.
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