Bsun Akashi vs. Kailh Berry
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Berry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Berry, both of which are linear switches. The Akashi is known for redefining tactile feedback with a unique design featuring a UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom housing. This combination results in a distinct sound contrast, providing a bright and crisp bottom-out with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Berry switches offer a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, producing a deep sound profile. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'silky', the Berry is categorized as 'textured', 'low-pitched', and 'bassy'. Each switch offers its own set of characteristics and experiences for users to consider. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Berry have different top housing materials, with the Akashi featuring a POM top housing while the Berry has a polycarbonate top housing. The POM top housing of the Akashi creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Berry produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more clear and resonant typing sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Berry allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
Both the Akashi and the Berry share nylon as their bottom housing material, which is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that is favored by many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. This similarity in bottom housing materials ensures that typists will experience a consistent typing feel and sound when using switches from either brand.
Although the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Akashi and the Berry, the impact of each material on the overall typing experience is significant. The qualities of the bottom housing material influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material has a larger impact on the sound produced when a key is released. This understanding of how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile and typing feel can help mechanical keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Berry linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Akashi has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, providing a light typing experience. On the other hand, the Berry switch has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, giving it a medium-heavy feel. The Akashi switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as for work or gaming, while the Berry switch would cater to individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. In this case, the Akashi switch is lighter, and the Berry switch is heavier, offering users the option to choose based on their preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Kailh Berry linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Despite this difference, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular among users, especially gamers looking for faster response times. Those who prefer a more immediate feel when pressing a key may lean towards the Bsun Akashi, while individuals who enjoy a slightly deeper keystroke may find the Kailh Berry more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, providing users with a satisfying typing or gaming experience based on their personal 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 Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as having a clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy sound with a bright and percussive quality. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry linear switch features a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the Akashi being more crisp and bright, while the Berry has a more mellow and bass-heavy tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press qualities. These characteristics result in a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and maximum responsiveness. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry switch is described as having a textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This textured sensation adds a layer of tactile feedback to the typing experience, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a bit of resistance.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a unique and resonant sound with a smooth and effortless typing feel, thanks to its creamy and polished qualities. On the other hand, the Kailh Berry linear switch provides a deep and rich sound profile with a springy and textured typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi or the Kailh Berry linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter key feel with a unique sound profile that offers a resonant and bright bottom-out, then the Akashi linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a springy feel and a deep sound profile, the Berry linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences, so be sure to consider your own typing preferences and needs when making your decision.
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