Bsun Akashi vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Light Cloud V2 both offer unique features and advantages. The Akashi is renowned for its smooth UPE stem and distinctive POM top with a nylon bottom housing, providing a unique sound profile that is both bright and crisp. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 is known for its refined and silent typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a lightweight and gentle feel while typing. Each switch has its own set of characteristics, with the Akashi being described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', while the Light Cloud V2 is categorized as 'mild', 'muted', and 'feathery'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Light Cloud V2, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This means that when typing on switches from either of these keyboards, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound overall, which can create a more satisfying typing experience. This similarity in housing material between the two switches suggests that users may experience comparable sound profiles when using either keyboard.
In contrast, the top housings of the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Light Cloud V2 differ in material, with the former utilizing POM and the latter using nylon. POM top housings, as seen in the Akashi, create a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. On the other hand, TTC Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing provides a fuller sound profile that is also deeper but lacks the muted quality of POM. This contrast in top housing material highlights the different effects that POM and nylon have on the sound produced by the switches.
Overall, the combination of nylon bottom housings and different top housing materials in the Bsun Akashi and TTC Light Cloud V2 creates a nuanced typing experience for users. While the nylon bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, the POM top housing of the Akashi provides a uniquely muted sound compared to the fuller sound of the Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing. This difference in top housing material showcases how varying materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch, offering users a choice between a more muted or fuller typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2 is the heavier switch with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. The Akashi provides a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 offers a stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer heavier forces. Both switches have their own advantages based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The Akashi switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 switch's shorter travel distance may feel quicker and more responsive. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired 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 Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 having a clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy noise with each keystroke. This creates a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile that stands out during typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch is noted for its muted sound, offering a softer and quieter experience compared to other switches. This muted profile minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a more subtle typing atmosphere. Overall, the Akashi switch offers a more energetic and lively sound, while the Light Cloud V2 switch focuses on a quieter and more understated auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors indicate a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, allowing for a fluid key travel and reduced friction. The Light Cloud V2 switch, on the other hand, is noted for its mild, easy-to-press, and feathery feel. This suggests a gentle typing experience with minimal force required for key presses, leading to reduced finger fatigue and a comfortable typing session. Both switches offer a responsive and low-impact feel, with the Akashi leaning towards a more polished and snappy sensation while the Light Cloud V2 provides a mild and approachable typing experience.
Overall, both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi switch provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy, frictionless feel, focusing on a vibrant and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Light Cloud V2 switch offers a muted sound and a mild, easy-to-press feel, emphasizing a quieter and gentler typing atmosphere. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between the energetic and resonant experience of the Akashi switch or the refined and delicate typing sensation of the Light Cloud V2 switch. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking different aspects in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the choice between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it is important to consider key factors such as bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a creamy, frictionless, or polished typing feel, and a clacky sound profile, the Bsun Akashi switch may be the ideal option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a mild or easy-to-press typing feel, and a muted or neutral sound profile, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to ensure a satisfying typing experience.