Bsun Akashi vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and TTC Silent Red both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akashi is renowned for its UPE stem and hybrid housing design, providing a distinctive sound profile that combines brightness with depth for a resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is favored for its smooth and silent operation, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices or shared living spaces. While the Akashi is lauded for its tactile feedback and sound contrast, the Silent Red excels in providing a seamless and comfortable typing experience without the noise. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Red switches offer contrasting sound profiles and aesthetics. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is often used for clear housings for RGB lighting, while POM offers a more traditional look. The nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. Despite the differences in materials, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with unique sound characteristics.
While the Akashi utilizes POM for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the Silent Red features polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This difference in housing materials between the top and bottom impacts the typing experience on each switch. The bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Both nylon and polycarbonate offer their own unique sound profiles and characteristics, creating a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Silent Red housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference. POM offers a more muted sound on the Akashi, while polycarbonate provides a sharper sound on the Silent Red. Nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound on both switches, creating a consistent typing experience. Whether you prefer a softer, duller sound or a crisper, higher-pitched sound, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi is lighter in both aspects. The Akashi requires an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Silent Red demands a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Akashi would be the better choice, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Red provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches provide different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with varying preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, the distance the switch will travel from the top to the bottom will be identical. The travel distance for both switches is relatively short compared to other types of switches, resulting in a quick and efficient key press. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation when using either the Bsun Akashi or TTC Silent Red linear switch.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 known for its clacky sound profile, which is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and percussive experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter typing experience, perfect for quiet environments like offices or shared living spaces. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Akashi providing a bright and resonant sound while the Silent Red offers a more subdued and calming typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth, buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and a luxurious feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished, providing a gentle and uniform typing sensation that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Akashi focusing on responsiveness and effortless key presses while the Silent Red emphasizes a comfortable and consistent feel.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a bright and crisp sound with a smooth and luxurious typing experience, while the Silent Red offers a muted sound profile and a gentle, uniform feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches offer a high-quality experience that is sure to enhance your overall typing enjoyment. If you prefer a sharper and more responsive typing experience, the Akashi may be the ideal choice, while the Silent Red is perfect for those seeking a quieter and more comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are excellent options that will deliver satisfying results for any user.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a unique and resonant tactile feedback with a light actuation force, the Akashi switch may be the right choice for you. The Akashi offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press feel, along with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and seamless typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Red switch could be more suitable for your needs. The Silent Red provides a buttery, mild, and polished feel that is gentle and approachable for most users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing feel and sound characteristics that align best with your preferences and typing environment.
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