Bsun Akashi vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and TTC Speed Silver both offer unique advantages for different types of users. The Bsun Akashi is praised for its smooth UPE stem and hybrid housing design, providing a distinct sound experience with each keystroke. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Snappy', these linear switches offer a tactile feedback that is both crisp and rich. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is known for its fast and precise typing experience, with light-medium resistance and a reduced travel distance for quick actuation. Categorized as 'Neutral' and 'Mild', these switches offer a polished sound profile. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Bsun Akashi and TTC Speed Silver both offer unique housing materials that affect the sound profile of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Speed Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the use of clear polycarbonate in the Speed Silver allows for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those looking to customize their setup. However, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
While the top housing of the Bsun Akashi and TTC Speed Silver offer different sound profiles, the nylon bottom housings of both switches provide a similar typing experience. The nylon material absorbs sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This consistency in the bottom housing material ensures that users can enjoy a similar feel when typing on either switch. Additionally, the split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch allows for a balance of qualities, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Akashi and TTC Speed Silver ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The POM and polycarbonate top housings create distinct sound profiles, with the Akashi offering a deeper and more muted sound, and the Speed Silver providing a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches share the use of nylon in their bottom housings, resulting in a similar typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound. Overall, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of these switches, giving users the opportunity to customize their typing experience to suit their preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a lighter typing experience compared to the TTC Speed Silver linear switch. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which provides a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel. Those looking for a switch with a stronger push feel may prefer the Speed Silver, while those who value a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Akashi. In terms of actuation force, the Akashi is lighter, while the Speed Silver is slightly heavier. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, providing users with options for their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Bsun Akashi linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers looking for faster response times might prefer the Speed Silver with its shorter travel distance, while those seeking a more substantial and deeper key press may lean towards the Akashi. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a similar level of performance, but the varying travel distances cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 offers a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various typing environments. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Akashi switch provides a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. These qualities translate to a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance and effortless key presses, ensuring a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, along with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi switch provides a resonant and clacky sound profile with a creamy and smooth typing experience, while the Speed Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing feel. Ultimately, the selection between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, ensuring that newcomers will find either option to provide a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you value a unique sound profile with a bright and crisp bottom-out, along with a smooth and resonant typing experience, the Akashi switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with reduced travel distance and a light-medium level of resistance, the Speed Silver switch could be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer their own distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so choosing between them depends on what features you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either choice as long as it aligns with your preferences and typing habits.
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