Bsun Akashi vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the BSUN Akashi and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, both linear in design, we see distinct features that set them apart. The Akashi is praised for its novel tactile feedback, utilizing a unique combination of materials in its construction to provide a bright, crisp bottom-out sound that resonates with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Venus stands out for its internal configuration, offering a seamless glide paired with a "Q-texture" that gives a matte sensation akin to biting into a chewy mochi. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky' and 'silky', the Venus is labeled as 'buttery' and 'gummy'. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Akashi leans towards a more resonant feel, while the Venus focuses on a subdued auditory embrace. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Venus both use POM for the top housing, creating a unique and pleasing sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to other materials. This means that users of both switches can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on keyboards equipped with either of these switches. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Akashi utilizes nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and sound-absorbing qualities. In contrast, the Venus employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition.
The choice of housing materials in the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Venus plays a significant role in influencing the overall typing experience for users. While both switches may have similar top housings made of POM, the difference in their bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Akashi produces a duller and rounder sound, emphasizing a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus results in a clear and resonant sound, with a sharper and higher-pitched feel when typing. This distinction showcases how the housing materials can impact the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of a switch.
In summary, the Bsun Akashi and the TTC Venus present a contrast in their housing materials, particularly in the bottom housings. While both switches feature POM top housings that produce a similar deep and muted sound, the choice of nylon for the Akashi and polycarbonate for the Venus leads to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Akashi provides a softer and fuller sound, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Venus offers a sharper and crisper sound. Understanding how these materials affect the overall typing experience can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi is lighter in both aspects. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Venus has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Akashi might appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience or a lighter touch, ideal for prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, the Venus switch, with slightly heavier forces, may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a firmer push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Akashi offering a lighter touch and the Venus providing slightly heavier feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Akashi switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Venus switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 percussive sound profile. The combination of the UPE stem and POM top with nylon bottom housing produces a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, enhancing the overall typing experience with a resonant quality. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a low-pitched and muted sound signature that wraps each keystroke in a subdued auditory embrace. The Venus switch provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a softer and quieter sound compared to the Akashi. Both switches offer unique sound qualities tailored to different preferences, with the Akashi being more crisp and the Venus being more subdued.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Akashi switch is described as creamy and frictionless, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. The Akashi switch provides a silky sensation with each keystroke, making it effortless to type on. On the other hand, the TTC Venus switch is known for its buttery and gummy feel, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Both switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience, with the Akashi focusing on a creamy and snappy feel while the Venus provides a more gentle and mild typing experience.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi switch stands out for its clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel, while the Venus switch excels in its low-pitched and muted sound signature paired with a buttery and gummy typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide distinct and enjoyable typing experiences, ensuring that users will get satisfying results with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you value a light bottom-out force and enjoy a unique, resonant typing experience with a bright, crisp sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and are looking for a smooth, engaging typing sensation with a matte texture and a more muted sound profile, the TTC Venus linear switch could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns most with your desired typing experience.
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