Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron Aliaz
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Aliaz switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Akashi and Gateron Aliaz are two popular mechanical keyboard switches with distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Akashi, a linear switch, is well-liked for its smooth UPE stem and unique POM top and nylon bottom housing combination, resulting in a bright, crisp bottom-out sound with deep acoustic richness. It is suitable for those looking for a clacky, creamy, and easy-to-press typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, is specifically designed for quiet environments like offices, offering a medium-heavy weight that provides a substantial feel to each keystroke. It is praised for its muted, silky, and polished characteristics, making it a great choice for those who prefer pronounced typing feedback without the accompanying noise. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
75g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and Gateron Aliaz switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akashi's POM top housing provides a muted and deeper sound profile, while the Aliaz's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Conversely, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and deeper sound, while the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a crisp and resonant sound. The choice between these switches may depend on whether you prefer a softer, rounder sound or a clearer, sharper sound in your typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Gateron Aliaz switch allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboard. On the other hand, the Bsun Akashi's POM top housing does not offer the same translucency for RGB lighting effects. However, both switches prioritize sound quality in their design, with the material of the housing impacting the acoustics of typing. Whether you prioritize sound or visual effects in your keyboard setup may influence your choice between the two switches.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Bsun Akashi and Gateron Aliaz switches aim to provide an improved typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Akashi creates a duller and rounder sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Aliaz offers a clearer and more resonant sound. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may come down to personal preference when it comes to the sound, feel, and aesthetics of your keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch, it is evident that the Akashi is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Aliaz. The Akashi requires a mere 37 grams of force to actuate and 43 grams to bottom out, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Aliaz demands 60 grams to actuate and a hefty 75 grams to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing feel. For individuals who enjoy a quick and effortless keystroke, the Akashi would be the ideal choice, while the Aliaz would be better suited for those looking for a more tactile and forceful typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with weight playing a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gateron Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Akashi. Both switches fall within the range of short travel distances, with the Akashi being slightly shorter than the Aliaz. This means that the Akashi may provide a slightly faster response time for gamers who prefer shorter travel distances, while the Aliaz offers a bit more depth in key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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 best described as producing a clacky noise, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. This sound profile is a result of the unique design of the switch with a UPE stem and a distinctive POM top and nylon bottom housing combo. On the other hand, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is known for its muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to a regular or clacky switch. These switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for quiet environments like offices.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is often described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors indicate a smooth, buttery, and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, allowing for a fluid and responsive typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is also described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. These qualities make the Aliaz switches a great choice for those seeking a pronounced typing feedback without sacrificing comfort.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch provides a unique, resonant experience with its clacky sound profile and a smooth, buttery feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience with a silky smooth feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, but with distinct differences in noise level and tactile feedback. Experimenting with different switches on various keyboards and keycap sets can further enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch, you should take into account your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a light bottom out force and a unique, resonant typing experience with a bright, crisp sound, the Akashi may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more pronounced typing feedback in a silent design, the Aliaz could be the better option. Additionally, if you appreciate switches that offer a silky smooth typing experience, both the Akashi and Aliaz provide this feature. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
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