Bsun Akashi vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Mallo offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akashi is renowned for its linear design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a unique POM top and nylon bottom housing combo that produces a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. This switch provides a resonant and satisfying typing experience, perfect for those seeking a tactile but frictionless feel. In contrast, the Mallo from KTT is a tactile switch that boasts a subtle tactility without being overwhelming. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo strikes a balanced chord for typists looking for a versatile and comfortable typing experience. Each switch has its own set of qualities that appeal to different preferences, but it's important to delve deeper into the specifics to determine which switch is the best fit for individual needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Mallo both feature similar characteristics when it comes to their nylon bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will elicit a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics. This means that both the Akashi and the Mallo will provide a satisfying typing experience with a deeper sound profile thanks to their nylon bottom housings.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing materials. The Akashi utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper and relatively more muted side. On the other hand, the Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. So, while both switches may have a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, the sound profiles will differ based on their respective top housing materials.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the sound and feel of the keystrokes. The qualities of the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Akashi and the Mallo will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Conversely, the top housing material will affect the sound when a key is released. The POM top housing of the Akashi creates a uniquely deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo produces a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Akashi is also lighter at 43 grams, while the Mallo has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Akashi will require less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Akashi is lighter overall compared to the Mallo, which may appeal to users who prefer a lighter key press for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This means that the Mallo has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akashi. The traditional travel distance for switches is around 4.0mm, so both of these switches fall within that range. Gamers may prefer the Akashi for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Mallo with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Akashi linear switch is characterized as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch is described as having a neutral and subdued sound profile, ensuring that it does not overpower or fade into the background. The Akashi offers a unique acoustic experience with its bright bottom-out sound, while the Mallo provides a more balanced and gentle sound signature suitable for various typing environments.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Akashi linear switch offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. These descriptors point to a smooth and responsive typing feel, with reduced friction and effortless key travel. In contrast, the KTT Mallo tactile switch is noted for its feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle tactile feedback. This indicates a light and gentle typing experience with a moderate tactility that is comfortable for extended typing sessions and suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a resonant and clacky sound with a smooth and responsive typing feel, while the Mallo offers a neutral and subdued sound with a light and gentle tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, both switches cater to different needs and preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Overall, whether one chooses the Akashi or the Mallo, they can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Akashi linear switch or the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it really comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch that offers a unique tactile feedback with a smooth and resonant typing experience, then the Akashi linear switch with its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a gentle tactility that strikes a balance between feedback and typing comfort, then the Mallo tactile switch with its feathery, mild, and subtle feel could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch.
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