Bsun Akashi vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch to the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akashi stands out for its innovative design, boasting a UPE stem for smoothness and a hybrid housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom that produces a distinctive sound profile. On the other hand, the Strawberry is known for its charming pink and clear housings, delivering a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', the Strawberry is labeled as 'low-pitched', 'buttery', and 'polished'. 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
62g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the KTT Strawberry both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, with the Akashi featuring a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Strawberry has a polycarbonate top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Strawberry's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate in the Strawberry's housing allows for RGB lighting effects, while the Akashi's POM housing provides a classic look.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Strawberry offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The POM top housing of the Akashi provides a pleasing and deep sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Strawberry creates a sharper and more resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Akashi absorbs more sound for a rounder sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Strawberry leads to a crisper sound. The choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound in your typing experience.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of both the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Strawberry play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the Akashi's POM and nylon combination offer a unique blend of deep and fuller sounds, the Strawberry's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper sound overall. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams compared to the KTT Strawberry linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. The Akashi provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, while the Strawberry offers a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of force for actuation and bottom out, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Strawberry switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akashi switch. The Akashi switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which can be preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch provides a bit more depth, which can be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of responsiveness versus keypress depth. Both switches offer a different feel and typing experience, so choosing between them will depend on individual typing preferences.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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
The Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its unique sound profile, described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This is achieved through the combination of a UPE stem and a POM top with a nylon bottom housing, creating a bright and crisp bottom-out with deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi is said to provide a creamy typing experience, offering smooth and buttery key presses. The switch is also described as frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, showcasing a range of qualities that enhance the typing feel. Similarly, the KTT Strawberry switch is described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes resistance and friction during key presses. Both switches offer a luxurious typing experience that is sure to satisfy users looking for a premium feel.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch both offer unique and high-quality experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi switch provides a clacky sound and a creamy typing feel, the Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched sound with a silky and buttery typing experience. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches are excellent options for newcomers looking to explore the world of mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying and premium typing experience with either switch choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the characteristics of each switch carefully. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique, resonant typing experience with a clacky sound and creamy, polished, or snappy feel, the Akashi switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and smooth actuation with a low-pitched sound and a frictionless, silky, or buttery feel, the Strawberry switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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