Bsun Akashi vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Wine Red mechanical keyboard switches, there are several factors to consider. The Akashi switches are renowned for their unique tactile feedback, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a distinctive POM top and nylon bottom housing combination that produces a crisp bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Wine Red switches offer a pillowy light typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile. While the Akashi switches are categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', the Wine Red switches are described as 'Bassy' and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches offer a novel and satisfying typing experience, but the Akashi is praised for its unique sound contrast, while the Wine Red is loved for its smooth and rich 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
44g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Wine Red, one noticeable difference is the top housing material. The Akashi boasts a POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Wine Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This distinction in sound profiles can significantly affect the typing experience for users, with the Akashi offering a more subdued typing sound compared to the Wine Red's clearer and more resonant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, another point of comparison arises between the Akashi's nylon bottom housing and the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Akashi contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. This difference in sound characteristics between the bottom housings of the two switches can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the Akashi offering a more rounded sound compared to the Wine Red's clearer and sharper sound.
Despite the differences in materials between the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Akashi and the KTT Wine Red, users can expect similar results when it comes to the impact on typing experience. Both switches showcase distinctive sound profiles based on their housing materials, with the top housing playing a role in the sound when pressing down on a key and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether it's the deeper and more muted sound of the Akashi or the sharper and crisper sound of the Wine Red, the housing materials of these switches work together to create unique typing experiences for enthusiasts looking for specific sound characteristics in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 44 grams. Similarly, the Akashi has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, whereas the Wine Red has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may opt for the Akashi switch, while those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel may lean towards the Wine Red switch. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Wine Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Akashi offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it preferred by gamers looking for fast key presses. On the other hand, the Wine Red provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Akashi being the shorter option and the Wine Red being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress 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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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 clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive sound with each keystroke. This is due to the combination of the long pole stem and unique housing materials, delivering a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, creating a deep and rich acoustic experience during typing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Akashi being more vibrant and sharp, while the Wine Red is more mellow and bass-heavy.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These qualities translate into a smooth and effortless typing experience, with reduced friction and enhanced responsiveness. On the contrary, the KTT Wine Red linear switch's feel is not defined in the provided information, but given its pillowy light type feel, it may offer a softer and more cushioned typing experience compared to the Akashi. Overall, both switches provide different tactile sensations, with the Akashi offering a more polished and responsive feel, while the Wine Red may prioritize comfort and cushioning.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch each offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akashi provides a clacky sound and a creamy, polished feel, while the Wine Red offers a bassy sound and a pillowy light type feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for sound and typing experience, with users likely to get distinct results based on their selection.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which switch to choose between the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of 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 profile, the Akashi switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a pillowy light type feel with a deep and rich sound profile that is bassy and low-pitched, the Wine Red switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Akashi provides a more distinct tactile feedback, while the Wine Red offers a softer, more cushioned feel. Consider these factors when making your decision to ensure that you choose the switch that best fits your typing style and preferences.