Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron Box CJ
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Box CJ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Box CJ both offer unique features and qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Akashi stands out for its UPE stem and distinctive POM top with nylon bottom housing, creating a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with deep acoustic richness. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Snappy', the Akashi provides a novel and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Box CJ combines characteristics of the CJ lineage with the speed switches, offering typists a higher-pitched clack and smooth push feel that glides effortlessly. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Chirpy', the Box CJ switches come unlubed, allowing for customization to meet exacting standards. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi utilizes a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing, creating a unique combination of sound profiles. The POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Gateron Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Despite using different materials for the top and bottom housings, both switches offer a combination of qualities that cater to various sound preferences.
One key difference between the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Box CJ is the type of plastic used. POM, as seen in the Akashi, is known for its softer and more absorbing properties, resulting in a more muted sound profile. On the other hand, polycarbonate, featured in the Box CJ, is a stiffer plastic that creates a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aspect to the switch. Both housing materials offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, whether it be for a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper sound.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is evident that the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Box CJ offer a well-rounded experience. The bottom housing plays a major role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, with the nylon material contributing to a deeper and fuller sound in both switches. Conversely, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key, with POM creating a deeper and more muted sound in the Akashi, while polycarbonate produces a sharper and crisper sound in the Box CJ. Overall, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile and typing experience of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Akashi requires 43 grams, while the Box CJ needs 57 grams, making it heavier. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Akashi for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Box CJ. Both switches offer different levels of feedback based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, it is clear that the Bsun Akashi has a shorter travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Gateron Box CJ has a slightly longer travel distance of 4mm. The 0.3mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the overall feel and response of the switch. For those who prioritize faster response times, the Bsun Akashi may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper sensation when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Gateron Box CJ with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Box CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box CJ for $5.35.
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 Box CJ linear switch are described as having a "clacky" sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This makes them suitable for those who enjoy a crisp and bright auditory feedback during typing sessions. The Akashi offers a unique sound experience due to its hybrid housing and UPE stem, creating a resonant and distinctive sound contrast with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Box CJ presents a higher-pitched clack that adds a touch of uniqueness to the typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akashi provides a variety of descriptors such as "creamy," "frictionless," "polished," "silky," "snappy," and "easy-to-press," indicating a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. This is achieved through the use of specific materials and lubrication within the switch, resulting in a tactile sensation that enhances typing comfort. In contrast, the Box CJ is described as having a "mild" feel, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground zone. Typists can expect an impossibly smooth push feel that allows keys to be pressed effortlessly, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
Overall, while both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Box CJ linear switch share a "clacky" sound profile, the Akashi stands out for its unique sound contrast and resonant experience, while the Box CJ impresses with its higher-pitched clacks and swift characteristics designed for rapid response. In terms of feel, the Akashi provides a range of smooth and responsive descriptors, catering to those who seek a refined typing experience, while the Box CJ offers a mild and approachable feel suitable for various preferences. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can elevate the typing experience to new heights.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Gateron Box CJ linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams and a unique, resonant tactile feedback with a creamy, frictionless, or polished typing feel, then the Akashi switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 57 grams and a swift, higher-pitched clacky sound with a mild typing feel, then the Box CJ switch might better suit your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound, and actuation force.
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