Bsun Akashi vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch to the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it's evident that both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Bsun Akashi is praised for its smooth UPE stem and distinctive POM top and nylon bottom housing combination, creating a bright, crisp bottom-out sound with deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch stands out for its high-pitched, satisfying click and light keystrokes that strike a perfect balance between tactility and comfort. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'easy-to-press', the Purple Click is characterized as 'crunchy', 'invigorating', and 'resonant'. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Purple Click switches differ in terms of their top housing materials. The Akashi uses POM for its top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Purple Click utilizes polycarbonate for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Purple Click's top housing is specifically beneficial for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency, whereas the POM in the Akashi provides a unique sound experience with its pleasing deep tones.
However, both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience on both switches. This commonality in bottom housing material ensures a consistent sound profile across the two switches, imparting a sense of familiarity and comfort when typing on either the Akashi or the Purple Click.
In terms of tactile feedback, the difference in materials for the top and bottom housings of both switches also plays a role in the typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This nuanced interplay between materials provides a dynamic typing experience that is tailored to the specific characteristics of each switch, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, it is evident that the Akashi is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Purple Click has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Akashi is ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Purple Click offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their actuation and bottom out force, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can significantly impact the overall typing or gaming experience. In general, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers looking for speedy response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the switch with a longer travel distance. Both switches offer a tactile feel, but the slight variation in travel distance may cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 described as producing a clacky and crisp sound upon keystrokes, thanks to its unique stem and housing combination. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is known for its crunchy and resonant sound profile, delivering a satisfying high-pitched click with each press. Both switches offer distinctive auditory experiences, with the Akashi leaning towards a brighter tone and the Purple Click providing a more immersive and clean sound.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Akashi is praised for its creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky typing experience, offering smooth and effortless keystrokes that feel like gliding across the keys. The switch is also noted for its snappy and easy-to-press nature, ensuring a responsive and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch is described as invigorating and stepped, providing pronounced feedback and a more mild tactile sensation compared to other switches. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Akashi focusing on smoothness and ease of typing, while the Purple Click leans towards a more pronounced and reactive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a bright and resonant sound with a smooth and polished typing experience, while the Purple Click delivers a high-pitched click with an invigorating and stepped tactile feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the clacky and creamy nature of the Akashi or the crunchy and resonant feel of the Purple Click. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a smoother and more resonant typing experience with a light actuation force, opt for the Akashi switch. The Akashi provides a creamy and frictionless feel, along with a clacky sound profile that is crisp and bright. On the other hand, if you enjoy a satisfying click with a medium-light actuation force and pronounced feedback, the Purple Click switch is the way to go. The Purple Click offers an invigorating and stepped feel, combined with a crunchy and resonant sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Consider these factors carefully to ensure you select the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.