Bsun Akashi vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Phalaenopsis. The Bsun Akashi is a linear switch known for its unique design featuring a UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom, resulting in a smooth and resonant typing experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis is a tactile switch with a light actuation force of 37g and a satisfying tactile bump at 50g, providing effortless typing with minimal finger fatigue. While the Akashi is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Phalaenopsis is labeled as 'Bassy' and 'Stepped'. Each switch offers its own benefits and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between them. 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
37g
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Phalaenopsis lies in their housing materials. The Akashi features a POM top housing which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Phalaenopsis boasts a polycarbonate top housing which produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Phalaenopsis makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, giving it a more visually striking appearance compared to the Akashi.
On the other hand, both switches have a similar bottom housing material, with the Akashi boasting a nylon bottom housing and the Phalaenopsis featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Akashi elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis provides a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffness. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
When considering how the housing materials affect the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes clear that the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Phalaenopsis will both provide distinct typing experiences based on the properties of their respective housing materials, making them suitable options for different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of 37 grams. However, where they differ is in their bottom out force. The Akashi has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Phalaenopsis has a heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches require the same force to register a keystroke, the Phalaenopsis provides a slightly firmer typing experience when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Akashi may be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis would be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and the desired level of force required for key registration.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly shorter than the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Akashi offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Akashi for its faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Phalaenopsis. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Akashi provides a slightly shorter travel distance for those seeking a quicker input response.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise with each key press. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone reminiscent of bass tones. Both switches offer distinct sound experiences, with the Akashi being more bright and percussive, while the Phalaenopsis delivers a lower frequency range for a satisfying auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akashi linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors indicate a smooth, buttery typing experience with minimal resistance, resulting in a fluid and effortless key press. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis tactile switch is characterized as stepped, offering a two-stage tactile feedback that is more subtle in comparison to hyper-tactile switches. Both switches provide unique tactile sensations, with the Akashi focusing on smoothness and responsiveness, while the Phalaenopsis offers a more nuanced typing feel with distinct pre-travel and post-travel sensations.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch both offer distinctive sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akashi provides a clacky sound and a smooth, buttery feel, while the Phalaenopsis delivers a bassy sound and a stepped tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel. However, if a user prefers a specific quality such as a creamy or silky feel, they can expect similar results from both switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider the unique features and characteristics of each switch. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a novel, resonant typing experience with a bright and crisp sound, the Akashi switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force, effortless typing with minimized finger fatigue, and a tactile bump that provides a satisfying keystroke, the Phalaenopsis switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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