Bsun Akashi vs. Durock Anubis
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Anubis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Bsun Akashi, a linear switch, and the Durock Anubis, a tactile switch. The Akashi is renowned for its smooth UPE stem and unique housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom, creating a distinctive sound profile that is both bright and rich. On the other hand, the Anubis is known for its deep and resonant sound, along with a pronounced tactile bump that offers a more intense typing experience. While the Akashi is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Easy-to-press', the Anubis falls under 'Accented' and 'Polished'. Both switches offer their own advantages, whether you prefer a smooth linear experience or a more tactile and intense typing 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and Durock Anubis switches both offer unique sound profiles, with the Akashi featuring a POM top housing and nylon bottom housing, and the Anubis boasting a nylon top and bottom housing. While POM is known for creating a more muted and deeper sound, nylon is praised for its ability to absorb sound and produce a fuller, rounder sound profile. Both materials provide a different typing experience, with the Akashi's POM top likely influencing the sound when releasing a key, and the Anubis's nylon bottom impacting the bottom-out sound and feel.
Despite the different housing materials used in the Akashi and Anubis switches, the overall typing experience may be quite similar due to the qualities each material brings to the switch. In both cases, nylon is used, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. However, the Akashi may have a slightly more muted sound due to the POM top housing. The impact of the housing materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing contributing more to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, while the Bsun Akashi and Durock Anubis switches utilize different housing materials, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The POM top housing of the Akashi may provide a more pleasing and slightly muted sound, while the Anubis's nylon housing offers a fuller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the impact of the housing materials will be felt differently when pressing down on the switch versus releasing a key, emphasizing the importance of both the top and bottom housings in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams compared to the Durock Anubis tactile switch, which has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. The Akashi provides a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Anubis offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Both switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing sensation. If weight is not a concern, both switches will deliver similar results in terms of performance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch is 3.7 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Durock Anubis tactile switch. The Akashi offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the Anubis provides a bit more depth and feedback with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or prefer a more substantial key press sensation. In general, both switches offer a comfortable travel distance that can cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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 Durock Anubis comes in at $8.00 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a clacky experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, characterized by a crisp and bright bottom-out. On the other hand, the Durock Anubis tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for various users and settings. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Akashi delivering a more percussive sound and the Anubis offering a moderate and versatile option.
When it comes to feel, the Akashi switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors indicate a smooth, polished, and responsive typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances overall comfort. In contrast, the Anubis switch is described as accented and polished, offering a medium tactile feel with a smooth and refined finish. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, with the Akashi emphasizing smoothness and responsiveness while the Anubis focuses on a balanced tactility with a sleek feel.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Anubis tactile switch offer unique experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a clacky sound with a creamy, polished feel, emphasizing smoothness and responsiveness, while the Anubis delivers a neutral sound with an accented tactile feel for a balanced typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound, tactility, and overall typing experience, either switch can offer a satisfying option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. With both switches offering distinct qualities, users can expect a customized typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Anubis tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a light touch and a unique sound experience characterized by a clacky sound profile, the Akashi may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force with a pronounced tactile bump and a polished typing feel, the Anubis could better suit your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal typing style and the sensations you seek in a keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in your typing experience.
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