Bsun Akashi vs. Durock Blue Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Blue Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between linear and tactile can greatly impact your typing experience. In the realm of linear switches, the BSUN Akashi stands out with its UPE stem and unique POM top and nylon bottom housing combo, offering a smooth and resonant keystroke experience categorized as clacky, creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, easy-to-press. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switches offer a blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, with a slightly reduced travel distance for a more pronounced tactile feedback. These switches also come with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, categorized as accented, bassy, snappy, stepped. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Durock Blue Lotus both feature unique and premium top housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing offers a unique and premium feel. Both housings use different materials to achieve a specific sound profile, with the Akashi leaning towards a deeper tone and the Blue Lotus focusing on a premium feel.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Akashi and Blue Lotus utilize nylon for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing materials in both switches play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience for the user.
When it comes to the overall construction of the switches, the top and bottom housings each bring their own unique qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing material has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Akashi and Blue Lotus may have different top housing materials, the inclusion of nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of switches using this classic housing material.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch. The Akashi requires 37 grams of force to actuate and 43 grams to bottom out, while the Blue Lotus needs 55 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out. This makes the Akashi more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier force requirements, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences due to their differences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on either key, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity ensures that whether you choose the Akashi or the Blue Lotus, you will get consistent results in terms of how the switch feels and responds. Overall, the travel distance of these two switches is identical, providing a similar typing experience for users.
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 Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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 best described as clacky, offering a sharp and percussive sound profile with each key press. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch provides a bassy sound, characterized by a deeper and richer tone during typing. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience, with the Akashi delivering a bright and crisp sound, while the Blue Lotus offers a lower frequency range reminiscent of bass tones. The sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akashi stands out for its creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky typing experience. These descriptors all point towards a smooth and effortless typing feel characterized by minimal resistance and a refined key travel. Additionally, the Akashi switch is described as snappy and easy-to-press, enhancing the responsiveness and comfort of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Blue Lotus switch is accented, snappy, and stepped. These qualities suggest a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility that provides a responsive and engaging typing feel. The stepped characteristic adds a mild pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, enhancing the overall tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless typing feel, while the Blue Lotus delivers a bassy sound and an accented, snappy typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Akashi focusing on smoothness and ease of typing, and the Blue Lotus emphasizing tactile intensity and responsiveness. Depending on your personal preferences, you can achieve a unique typing experience with either switch, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable interaction with your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a unique, resonant typing experience with a bright and crisp sound, the Akashi linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a striking blend of tactile intensity with swift responsiveness, along with vibrant RGB illumination, then the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch would be the better option. Both switches offer different sound and feel profiles, so make sure to consider which characteristics are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Akashi and Blue Lotus switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and desired keyboard experience.
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