Bsun Akashi vs. KTT Miaowu
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Miaowu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Akashi and KTT Miaowu both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The BSUN Akashi is a linear switch that boasts a UPE stem for smoothness, a POM top, and nylon bottom housing for a distinctive sound profile. This switch is known for its bright, crisp bottom-out and resonant experience with each keystroke, making it ideal for those seeking a clacky, creamy, and easy-to-press typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Miaowu is also a linear switch but stands out with enhanced stem stability and a smoother keystroke action due to its POK stem material. While it may not have the same level of sound richness as the Akashi, the Miaowu switch offers a bouncy and clacky typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the KTT Miaowu both feature POM top housings, which create a unique sound profile. While the Akashi's POM housing produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound, the Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly affect the typing experience for users, with the Akashi providing a more subdued sound compared to the Miaowu's more pronounced tones. However, both materials offer their own aesthetic appeal, with POM showcasing a more opaque look while polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for RGB lighting effects.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Akashi and Miaowu utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity between the two switches in terms of bottom housing material means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. However, the difference in top housing materials between the two switches will still provide distinct sound characteristics that may appeal to different preferences.
Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in the sound profiles produced by the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Miaowu switches. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a deeper and fuller sound, the contrasting top housing materials of POM and polycarbonate offer different sound experiences. Users looking for a more muted sound may prefer the Akashi's POM top housing, while those seeking a sharper and crisper sound may gravitate towards the Miaowu's polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the combination of these materials in the top and bottom housings of each switch creates a unique typing experience for users to enjoy.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch both offer relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Akashi has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. On the other hand, the Miaowu has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a bit more resistance for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a smooth linear action, so regardless of which one you choose, you can expect similar typing results. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Miaowu linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances commonly preferred by gamers for quicker response times. However, the Akashi provides a slightly deeper keystroke compared to the Miaowu. Gamers looking for a balance between responsiveness and depth may find the Akashi to be the better option, while those who prioritize ultra-fast keystrokes may lean towards the Miaowu. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for keystroke feel.
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 Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 and KTT Miaowu switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp, snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be crisp, bright, and percussive, offering a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. It is important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akashi is described as offering a "creamy" typing experience with a smooth and buttery feel. This is likely due to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. The Miaowu, on the other hand, is described as providing a "bouncy" sensation with a spring-like feedback. While the Akashi focuses on smoothness and ease of typing, the Miaowu emphasizes a lively and rebounding feel with each key press.
Overall, both the Bsun Akashi and KTT Miaowu linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi provides a creamy and silky typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Miaowu offers a bouncy feedback sensation with a similar clacky sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound output.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the KTT Miaowu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you value a unique sound profile with a bright and crisp bottom-out, as well as a smooth and resonant keystroke, then the Akashi may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with enhanced stem stability, smoother keystroke action, and a bouncy feedback sensation, then the Miaowu switch could be more suited to your typing style. Consider your priorities in sound, feel, and overall typing experience when making your decision between these two linear switches. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
