KTT Ash Gray vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Light Sakura offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences. The Ash Gray switch is celebrated for its carefully crafted tactile feedback, providing a satisfying yet unobtrusive response that strikes a balance between a light touch and clear actuation. Ideal for those who appreciate a bit of tactile engagement without overwhelming resistance, it's a great choice for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura stands out as a silent linear switch, designed for maximum comfort and discretion. With its ultra-light feel, this switch is perfect for long typing sessions, facilitating a fatigue-reducing experience while ensuring quiet operation in office settings or shared spaces. While both switches cater to unique needs—whether you thrive on subtle tactile feedback or prioritize silence and comfort—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Light Sakura switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, and this choice results in a similar acoustic experience. The use of polycarbonate in both models enhances the crispness and clarity of the sound profile. Its inherently stiff nature contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a more resonant auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing allows for effective RGB lighting dispersion, which enhances the visual appeal of both switches. Consequently, users can expect both the KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Light Sakura to deliver a vibrant lighting experience alongside a pronounced sound profile.
Contrasting the bottom housings, however, provides insight into how these switches diverge in character. The KTT Ash Gray features a nylon bottom housing, a material known for its softer and more absorbent qualities, which leads to a fuller and deeper sound profile. This complements the clearer top housing because it creates a nice balance between the bright sound from the polycarbonate above and the rounded sound from the nylon below. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura maintains a polycarbonate bottom housing, which ensures that the sound retains a sharper quality throughout the switch. Consequently, while both switches offer a crisp sound from the top housing, the Ash Gray’s nylon base introduces a deeper resonance that contrasts with the more consistent brightness found in the Light Sakura.
Overall, the combination of housing materials leads to distinct but complementary auditory experiences with the KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Light Sakura. The Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing allows for a fuller sound that resonates when typing, creating an enjoyable experience for users who prefer a deeper bottom-out feel. Meanwhile, the Bsun Light Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom ensures the bright characteristics of the top housing are echoed at the bottom, resulting in a more harmonized sound profile throughout. Thus, while both switches deploy polycarbonate for the top housing, their differing bottom materials create unique sound profiles that cater to varying user preferences—each offering an effective solution for those looking for functionality and aesthetics in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch to the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray requires an actuation force of 38 grams, while the Light Sakura is slightly lighter at 37 grams. This means that the Light Sakura may be more comfortable for users who prefer a lighter touch, particularly during extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out forces, the Ash Gray has a heavier bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the 43 grams of the Light Sakura. This difference suggests that the Ash Gray offers a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer actuation while typing. Ultimately, users seeking a softer typing experience may lean towards the Light Sakura, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may find the Ash Gray more to their liking.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The KTT Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Light Sakura measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Ash Gray is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that might be favored by gamers looking for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Light Sakura, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth to their keystrokes, allowing for a more deliberate typing experience. Thus, while both switches provide effective performance, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sensitivity and feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Light Sakura switches, the Ash Gray presents a neutral sound profile. This ensures a moderate actuation sound that provides a balanced auditory experience appealing to a broad audience, making it suitable for both home and office settings. The sound you experience can still vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choices. While the Light Sakura switch is designed as a silent option, specific details about its sound profile are unknown. However, the design intent of the Light Sakura suggests that it aims for minimal noise, promoting a more discreet typing experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch shines with its easy-to-press nature. This switch requires minimal force for activation, making it highly responsive and reducing the risk of finger fatigue during lengthy typing sessions. The tactile response is substantial yet unobtrusive, striking a balance between satisfying feedback without overwhelming the typist. The Ash Gray is designed to offer a mild experience, easily approachable for various users, making it an excellent all-around choice. The feel characteristics of the Bsun Light Sakura remain unspecified, yet the ultra-light design hints at a gentle and comfortable typing experience conducive to long-term usage.
In summary, while both switches cater to different preferences, the KTT Ash Gray offers a balanced sound and tactile feedback, making it suitable for many environments. The design intention behind the Bsun Light Sakura points towards silence and ease of use, which complements extended typing sessions. Although the Ash Gray is characterized by its tactile feedback and moderate sound, the Light Sakura's focus on quiet operation and comfort makes it a compelling alternative for anyone seeking a gentle, unobtrusive typing experience. Depending on your priorities in a switch—be it sound, feel, or situational context—both options can yield satisfactory results.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate a tactile sensation during your typing but prefer a mild touch that won’t overwhelm your fingers, the Ash Gray is an excellent option. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams strikes a balance, providing noticeable feedback that enhances typing accuracy while remaining comfortable for long sessions. This makes it suitable for both home and work environments, where a neutral sound profile can blend into your surroundings without causing distraction. On the other hand, if you’re primarily seeking a smooth, quiet typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, especially in shared spaces or during extended use, the Light Sakura is the ideal switch. Its ultra-light travel and silent operation cater well to those who prioritize discreetness and comfort. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you desire that tactile feedback or prefer the sheer smoothness offered by a linear switch.
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