KTT Ash Gray vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Taichi offer two distinct experiences catering to different user preferences. The Ash Gray switch stands out with its tactile feedback that strikes a balance between noticeable and subtle, making it an ideal choice for typists who appreciate a gentle push without overwhelming sensations. Its easy-to-press nature offers a mild and neutral response, which many users find harmonizes productivity with comfort. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi, recognized for its smooth linear action, delivers a captivating high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This switch is perfect for those who favor a seamless keystroke experience, prioritizing speed and fluidity in their typing or gaming sessions. While the Ash Gray suits those who thrive on tactile interaction, the Taichi appeals to users seeking smoothness and auditory feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Taichi both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly influences their sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in both switches is consistent, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality stems from the material's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, making both switches particularly appealing for users who prioritize visual customization along with audio performance.
In contrast, both the Ash Gray and Taichi switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a uniform immersive typing experience. Nylon is praised for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic nature, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This absorption characteristic helps mask some of the higher pitches produced by the polycarbonate top, creating a balanced auditory experience. Thus, while both switches aim for clarity and brightness at the top, they deliver a complementary depth and roundedness via their nylon bottoms, ensuring a harmonious contrast in sound properties.
When combined, the distinctive characteristics of both polycarbonate and nylon within these switches create a nuanced typing experience. The clarity from the polycarbonate top enhances the moment you release a key, while the nylon bottom enriches the impact and sound when bottoming out. Individuals evaluating these switches can expect a consistently engaging audio experience across both models due to the similarity in their material compositions, with polycarbonate providing brightness and nylon contributing depth to the overall sound profile. Ultimately, users can achieve similar results in terms of auditory quality, benefiting from the strengths of both types of housing material in their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Ash Gray requiring a lighter force of 38 grams compared to the Taichi's 40 grams. This slight difference means that the Ash Gray may be more suitable for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Taichi may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel with its heavier actuation force. Regarding bottom out forces, the Ash Gray has a measurable bottom out force of 53 grams, allowing users to experience a tactile feedback when bottoming out. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi’s bottom out force is unavailable, leaving its performance in this regard uncertain. Overall, the KTT Ash Gray is the lighter option with a defined bottom out force, while the Bsun Taichi presents a heavier actuation feel but lacks information on bottoming out.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Ash Gray offers a shorter actuation distance compared to the Taichi, appealing to those who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes, which can enhance gaming performance. On the other hand, the Taichi's travel distance may provide a fuller typing experience, offering a bit more depth for users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on their keys. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Ash Gray's shorter option might feel a bit more abrupt, whereas the Taichi could cater to those looking for a more traditional, satisfying keystroke.
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 Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 tactile switch exhibits a neutral profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and a balanced sound level. This makes it versatile enough for various settings, whether for casual use at home or in a more focused work environment. The neutral sound ensures that even in shared spaces, it won't be overly disruptive. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. This captivating auditory quality is a result of its long-pole stem and extended springs, which contribute to a smooth yet distinct sound profile when typing. It's important to note that sound is also influenced by other components such as the keyboard itself and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Ash Gray switches shine with their easy-to-press characteristics. They require minimal force to activate, thus allowing for a gentle resistance during key presses that promotes comfort and reduces finger fatigue over long typing sessions. This mild tactile feedback makes these switches approachable for most users, striking a nice balance between responsiveness and comfort. In contrast, the Taichi switch lacks specific descriptors regarding its feel, but its emphasis on smoothness and stability suggests a potentially fluid typing experience. However, without additional insight, we cannot definitively compare its tactile qualities to the Ash Gray.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Taichi switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Ash Gray provides a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press feel, making it suitable for various settings and user preferences, while the Taichi presents a more captivating sound, likely appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. Ultimately, while the Ash Gray focuses on comfort and versatility, the Taichi offers an enchanting auditory experience that sets it apart. Users seeking a well-rounded typing experience may prefer the Ash Gray, whereas those intrigued by sound may gravitate towards the Taichi.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, you should consider your typing style and preferences. If you appreciate tactile feedback that is both substantial yet unobtrusive, the Ash Gray switch is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams makes it easy to press, which is especially beneficial for extended typing sessions or for those who desire a balance between responsiveness and comfort. The neutral sound profile of the Ash Gray also makes it suitable for various environments, whether you're at home or in an office, allowing you to type without being overly distracting to those around you. On the other hand, if your primary focus is on a smooth and stable typing experience without any tactile bumps, you'll want to lean towards the Bsun Taichi switch. Known for its enchanting sound and unparalleled smoothness, it offers a delightful linear feel, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming or for those who simply enjoy a seamless keypress. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prefer tactile feedback for typing accuracy or a linear switch for fluid and rapid keystrokes.
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