KTT Ash Gray vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Olive both offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Ash Gray switch is known for its light touch and subtle tactile feedback, providing a comfortable yet noticeable typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch stands out with its deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making each keystroke feel satisfying and invigorating. While the Ash Gray switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', the Olive switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its own distinct advantages, 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Olive differ in their housing materials, with the Ash Gray featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Olive has a POM top housing and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Olive produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Ash Gray results in a fuller and deeper sound, whereas the POM bottom housing of the Olive also contributes to a deeper and muted sound profile.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Olive, both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing sound experience for users. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Ash Gray enhances its sound profile by creating a clear and resonant tone, while the POM top housing of the Olive offers a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Ash Gray absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Olive contributes to its pleasing and unique sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Olive housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired sound experience. Both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their top and bottom housing materials, with the Ash Gray delivering a sharper and fuller sound profile, and the Olive providing a deeper and more muted tone. Whether one prefers the clarity of polycarbonate or the depth of POM, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Bsun Olive tactile switch. The Ash Gray requires 38 grams of force to actuate and 53 grams to bottom out, making it medium-light. In contrast, the Olive needs 45 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, putting it in the medium-heavy category. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Ash Gray, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Olive provides a more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch play a significant role in determining the typing feel and experience for users, catering to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quick and responsive key presses. Gamers in particular may appreciate these switches for their faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they are both relatively short. Ultimately, choosing between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of whether you prefer a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch is known for its neutral profile, making it suitable for a wide range of uses without being overly loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch is praised for its resonant and deep sound, setting it apart with a unique auditory experience that adds to the typing sensation.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers an easy-to-press experience with minimal force required for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable, ultimately reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The feel of the switch is described as mild, providing a comfortable and approachable typing experience for most users. In comparison, the Bsun Olive switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, offering a more intense typing sensation with a pronounced tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keystroke.
Overall, while the KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Olive switches both offer tactile feedback, they present different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ash Gray switch provides a light and unobtrusive tactile response with a moderate sound profile, making it a versatile option for various typing needs. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch delivers a deep and resonant sound along with a more intense tactile experience, creating a distinct and satisfying typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force and sound and feel characteristics. Opt for the Ash Gray if you prefer a lighter touch with moderate sound and a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, choose the Olive if you desire a medium-heavy bottom-out force, deep sound, and a more pronounced tactile feedback for an invigorating and sharp typing sensation. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make your decision based on what best suits your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Ash Gray and Olive switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking.
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