Bsun Akashi vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and TTC Silent Brown tactile switch stand out for their unique characteristics. The Akashi switch is renowned for its smooth UPE stem and hybrid housing design, delivering a crisp bottom-out sound alongside an deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile. While the Akashi is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Silky', offering a resonant keystroke experience, the Silent Brown is described as 'Buttery' and 'Mild', providing a satisfying 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Silent Brown switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences to the user. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This contrast in sound can greatly affect the overall typing experience for users, with the Akashi offering a more subtle and quieter typing experience compared to the Silent Brown's more crisp and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Silent Brown switch allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the typing experience.
Both the Akashi and Silent Brown switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile for both switches. This similarity in bottom housing material brings a consistent tactile experience to both switches, allowing users to enjoy a similar typing feel. However, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, emphasizing the importance of housing materials in creating a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Bsun Akashi and TTC Silent Brown switches plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and tactile experience for users. The Akashi's mix of POM and nylon housings creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that is more muted, while the Silent Brown's polycarbonate and nylon housings produce a sharper and crisper sound. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience, showcasing how the choice of materials can greatly impact the feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that they have differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akashi switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Silent Brown switch's 45 grams, making the Akashi easier to press for initiating a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Akashi requires 43 grams while the Silent Brown needs 63.5 grams, making the Silent Brown heavier to fully press down. Therefore, the Akashi switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, while the Silent Brown switch offers a more substantial and tactile feel during keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or a heavier resistance for a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we can see that the Akashi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be significant for some users, but it could impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Ultimately, if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance, the Akashi may be the better option, whereas if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more tactile experience, the Silent Brown may be more suitable.
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 Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise with each keystroke, giving off a crisp and bright tone. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is praised for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the clacky Akashi switch. While the Akashi provides a more percussive and resonant sound, the Silent Brown delivers a more subtle and gentle noise, perfect for those looking for a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi switch is described as having a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press feel. This means that users can expect a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and a fluid key travel. The Silent Brown tactile switch, on the other hand, is known for its buttery, mild, and polished feel, offering a gentle and uniform typing sensation that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of tactility and resistance. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Akashi may offer a bit more snappiness and responsiveness compared to the Silent Brown.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, catering to different preferences in terms of typing experience. While the Akashi provides a clacky sound and a creamy, polished feel with enhanced snappiness, the Silent Brown offers a muted sound and a buttery, mild feel for a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a louder, more tactile typing experience (Akashi) or a quieter, softer feel (Silent Brown).
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a unique, resonant typing experience with a clacky sound, the Akashi linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a muted sound profile, and a comfortable, buttery typing feel, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value the most.
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