Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron Beer
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Beer switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences. The Akashi offers a unique tactile feedback experience with its UPE stem and hybrid housing design, resulting in a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Beer switch provides a lighter tactile feel with a stepped tactility for a more subtle typing experience. Both switches are categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Easy-to-press', but the Akashi is also described as 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy', while the Beer switch is labeled as 'Stepped'. Overall, the Akashi provides a novel, resonant typing experience, while the Beer switch offers a refreshing lightness with a characteristic clacky sound. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Beer both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Beer's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate material used in the Beer's top housing is ideal for RGB lighting effects, emphasizing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing produces a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature, contrasting with the crisper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing used in the Beer.
Despite their differences, both the Akashi and the Beer utilize materials that impact the sound profile of the switches. The split between the top and bottom housings of a switch allows for a combination of qualities from each material. The bottom housing's impact is felt more when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This unique split design allows for a balanced combination of characteristics from the different housing materials, offering a diverse typing experience for users.
In terms of performance, the choice between a POM top housing and a polycarbonate top housing, as well as a nylon bottom housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing, comes down to personal preference. The POM top housing of the Akashi provides a pleasing and unique sound profile with its deeper and muted tones, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Beer offers a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Akashi creates a fuller and rounder sound, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer produces a more resonant sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's preferred sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch both provide a light typing experience, with the Akashi being slightly lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience for extended periods of time, making them suitable for work or gaming. The lighter actuation force of the Akashi may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless keystroke, while the heavier bottom out force of the Beer provides a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Beer tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Akashi linear switch. The shorter travel distance of the Beer switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Akashi switch may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their respective travel distances, but ultimately the choice between them will depend on personal preference for travel distance in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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 Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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, both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Beer tactile switch are described as producing a sharp and snappy clacky sound when pressed. This sound can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case, plate material, keycaps, and typing technique.
When it comes to feel, the Akashi switch is renowned for its creamy and frictionless typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, making each keystroke feel effortless and silky. On the other hand, the Beer switch provides an easy-to-press feel with a stepped tactility. The light actuation force of the Beer switch ensures comfortable typing with minimal finger fatigue, while the stepped tactility adds a subtle and distinct feel to each keystroke.
Overall, while the Akashi and Beer switches differ in their tactile feedback and key feel, they both offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. The Akashi switch provides a creamy and frictionless sensation with a distinct clacky sound, while the Beer switch delivers an easy-to-press feel with a stepped tactility and characteristic clacky sound signature. Depending on personal preference and typing style, newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world can expect to get similar results in terms of a satisfying typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Gateron Beer tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light linear switch with a unique tactile feedback and a resonant keystroke experience, then the Akashi might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light tactile switch with a subtle tactility and a clacky sound signature, then the Beer switch could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive features that can enhance your typing experience, so it's important to try them out and see which one feels best for you.
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