Bsun Akashi vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Akashi and TTC Neptune stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The Akashi is celebrated for its unique design featuring a UPE stem and a hybrid housing of POM top and nylon bottom, resulting in a distinct sound profile with each key press. On the other hand, the Neptune is praised for its innovative internal structure that combines a smooth glide with a springy resistance reminiscent of chewy treats like mochi. While the Akashi is known for its resonant and crisp keystrokes, the Neptune offers a textured pleasure with its matte feel and muted sound signature. Each switch has its own set of characteristics making them appealing to different preferences - whether you prefer a bright and snappy typing experience with the Akashi or a buttery and gummy sensation with the Neptune. 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
41g
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
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and TTC Neptune both feature POM top housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to other materials. This similarity in top housing material ensures that typing on both switches will result in a similar auditory experience. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Akashi's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition leading to a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of material composition, the Bsun Akashi and TTC Neptune showcase different properties in their housing materials. While the Akashi utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer and sound-absorbing qualities, the Neptune employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which offers a clearer and more resonant sound due to its stiffer composition. This contrast in bottom housing materials results in distinct typing experiences between the two switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Neptune's bottom housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch that the Akashi does not offer with its nylon bottom housing.
When comparing the differences between the Bsun Akashi and TTC Neptune in terms of housing materials, it becomes evident that the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share a POM top housing that creates a pleasing and unique sound, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, whereas the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on the desired typing experience and aesthetic preferences, users can choose between the Akashi and Neptune based on the qualities that each housing material brings to the overall performance of the switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, we can see that both switches are relatively light in terms of force required. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Neptune has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Neptune requires slightly more force for both actuation and bottom out compared to the Akashi. While some may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Neptune for a more substantial typing experience, others may find the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Akashi more comfortable for longer periods of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Akashi for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times during gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth to their keystrokes may opt for the Neptune with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and performance.
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 Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 best described as having a clacky sound, providing users with a sharp and snappy auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch produces a low-pitched, muted sound that is refined and unobtrusive. While the Akashi offers a bright and percussive tone, the Neptune presents a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile, catering to different preferences. Both switches offer unique auditory characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on the user's preference for sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Bsun Akashi switch is praised for its creamy and frictionless sensation, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. In comparison, the TTC Neptune switch provides a buttery and gummy feel, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation that can be likened to typing on a trampoline or a gummy bear when bottoming out. Both switches excel in providing a luxurious and comfortable typing feel, with the Akashi focusing on smoothness and the Neptune offering a unique blend of textures for a tactile pleasure.
Overall, while the Bsun Akashi and TTC Neptune linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, they both aim to provide users with an extraordinary typing experience. The Akashi stands out for its clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel, creating a resonant and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Neptune impresses with its low-pitched, muted sound and buttery, gummy feel, ensuring a harmonious and textured typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, guaranteeing that users will receive a high-quality and satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a bright, crisp sound with a unique acoustic richness and a smooth, almost frictionless glide with a springy resistance sensation, the Akashi may be the better choice for you. The Akashi's creamy, polished feel and clacky sound provide a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a muted, low-pitched sound with a matte feel and a harmonious balance between smoothness and resistance, the Neptune could be the ideal switch for you. The Neptune's buttery, polished feel and gummy, mild sound offer a different, yet equally satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, so choose based on which typing experience appeals more to your personal preferences.
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