Bsun Akashi vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Akashi and KTT Semi Mute both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Akashi stands out for its UPE stem and distinctive POM top and nylon bottom housing combo, resulting in a bright, crisp bottom-out sound with deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute is specifically designed for those seeking a noise-free typing experience, thanks to its advanced dampening technology. While the Akashi provides a resonant and tactile feedback, the Semi Mute offers a silent and comfortable typing feel. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and KTT Semi Mute both feature unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles is due to the differences in stiffness between POM and polycarbonate, with polycarbonate being stiffer and therefore more resonant. However, both switches prioritize sound quality by utilizing different materials to achieve their desired sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. This difference in sound between the two switches' bottom housings further showcases how the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound of a switch. Despite using different materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches prioritize sound quality and offer distinct sound profiles to cater to different preferences.
When considering how the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and KTT Semi Mute impact the overall typing experience, it's essential to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities shows how the choice of housing material can influence different aspects of typing, such as sound feedback and overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear 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, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Semi Mute has a higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a heavier switch. The difference in force between the two switches offers users the option to choose between a lighter or heavier typing experience based on their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Akashi and the Semi Mute will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Semi Mute linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when pressing down on the keys. Players who prefer a more abrupt and responsive feel may lean towards the Akashi switch, while those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may opt for the Semi Mute switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to different preferences among users.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky and bright sound profile, creating a sharp and percussive noise when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offers a muted and quieter sound, providing a softer typing experience that is ideal for those seeking a noise-free environment. The Akashi's sound is more distinctive and resonant, while the Semi Mute offers a more subtle and subdued typing noise. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Akashi being more vibrant and the Semi Mute being more understated.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. These descriptors indicate a smooth, refined, and fluid keypress with minimal resistance, resulting in a comfortable and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience, emphasizing a smooth and uniform keystroke sensation that is gentle and approachable. Both switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing feel, with the Akashi focusing on responsiveness and smoothness, while the Semi Mute prioritizes a seamless and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a clacky and resonant sound with a creamy and polished typing feel, while the Semi Mute delivers a muted and quieter sound with a buttery and mild typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Akashi being more vibrant and responsive, and the Semi Mute offering a quieter and smoother typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that both newcomers and experienced mechanical keyboard users can find a switch that suits their preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a unique and resonant typing experience with a light bottom out force and a clacky sound profile, the Akashi switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a noise-free environment, a medium bottom out force, and a softer, muted sound profile, the Semi Mute switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and typing feel. Both switches offer their own distinct characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
Mentioned in this article
