Bsun Akashi vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options to contemplate are the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Lightning, both renowned for their linear characteristics. The Akashi stands out for its innovative design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a unique housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom. This results in a distinctive sound profile, offering a bright bottom-out coupled with deep acoustic richness, providing a resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning switches from KTT are known for their speed-oriented nature, ideal for situations where split-second decisions matter. With a slick typing feel and a clacky sound profile, they offer a different typing experience. While the Akashi offers a creamy, frictionless feel, the Lightning provides a high-pitched, chirpy sensation. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Lightning provide distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Lightning's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the Lightning's nylon bottom housing offers a similar deep and full sound but with a different tactile feel. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, the different top housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of each switch.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housings, the top housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Lightning contribute to their individual characteristics. The translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning allows for RGB lighting to shine through, offering a unique aesthetic appeal that the Akashi's POM top housing does not provide. On the other hand, the Akashi's POM top housing produces a more pleasing and unique sound profile compared to the crisper sound of the Lightning's polycarbonate top housing. These differences in housing materials highlight how subtle variations can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Lightning comes down to personal preference in sound profile and tactile feedback. The Akashi's housing materials create a more subdued and deep sound, while the Lightning's housing materials produce a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. However, the distinct top housing materials of POM for the Akashi and polycarbonate for the Lightning offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the KTT Lightning linear switch's 43 grams. Both switches have a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Akashi has a lower force of 43 grams compared to the Lightning's 50 grams, indicating that the Akashi switch provides a slightly softer bottom out feel. Overall, the Akashi switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the KTT Lightning switch, providing a smoother and gentler typing experience for users who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. In this case, the Lightning switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Akashi switch. The 0.7 mm of difference may seem minimal, but it can affect the feel and responsiveness of the key. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Lightning switch, with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Akashi switch. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Akashi providing a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a more deliberate key press, while the Lightning offers a quicker and more responsive 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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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, both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. However, the Akashi offers a unique acoustic richness due to its distinctive housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom, whereas the Lightning has additional descriptors of high-pitched and chirpy sounds that set it apart. Depending on your preference for sound profiles, the Akashi may provide a richer and deeper auditory experience compared to the Lightning's more varied sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is associated with descriptors like creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, suggesting a smooth and responsive typing experience with minimal resistance and effortless key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch is described as subtle and polished, offering a gentle resistance and a sleek typing experience. While the Akashi emphasizes responsiveness and smoothness, the Lightning focuses on providing a light and comfortable typing feel suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a switch with a unique acoustic richness and a smooth, responsive typing experience, the Akashi may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light typing feel with a subtle sound profile, the Lightning could be a more suitable option. It's important to consider your specific preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience when selecting between these two switches to ensure you get the best match for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and resonant typing experience with a light bottom out force, you may want to choose the BSUN Akashi linear switch. The Akashi offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel with a distinctive sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and precision in your keystrokes, the KTT Lightning linear switch may be the better option for you. The Lightning switches provide a slick type feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing where milliseconds matter. Ultimately, your choice between the Akashi and the Lightning will depend on your preferences for feel, sound, and typing style. Consider these factors carefully to ensure you select the switch that best suits your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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