Bsun Akashi vs. Kailh Box Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi, a linear switch, with the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, there are distinct differences in their design and overall typing experience. The Akashi stands out for its UPE stem and unique housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom, creating a smooth and resonant feel with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Box Jade offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactile bumps. While the Akashi is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Silky', the Box Jade is known for being 'High-pitched', 'Crunchy', and 'Invigorating'. If you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience, the Akashi may be the better choice, whereas if you enjoy the satisfying clicks and tactile feedback, the Box Jade could be more up your alley. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box Jade offer different sound profiles due to their composition. The Akashi's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for gamers looking to enhance their setup visually. In terms of bottom housings, both switches feature a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a rounder tone.
While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the differences in their top housings result in distinct sound profiles. Pressing down on the Bsun Akashi will emphasize the qualities of its nylon bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. Conversely, the Kailh Box Jade's top polycarbonate housing will play a larger role in the sound when releasing a key, producing a sharper and crisper sound. These differences in housing materials demonstrate how the composition of each component can influence the overall typing experience and sound output of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box Jade housing materials comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. While both switches offer a mix of nylon and either POM or polycarbonate, the resulting sound and feel will vary based on individual typing habits and preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile with the Bsun Akashi's nylon housing, or a sharper, crisper tone with the Kailh Box Jade's polycarbonate housing, both switches provide a unique typing experience that can enhance your overall keyboard setup.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch. The Akashi requires 37 grams of force to actuate and 43 grams to bottom out, while the Box Jade needs 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Akashi make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, such as in a work setting or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier forces of the Box Jade provide a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch both offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. The Akashi has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the Box Jade's 3.6 mm. Both switches are well-suited for those looking for a quicker response time, with the Akashi being slightly more substantial in terms of travel distance. Gamers might lean towards the Akashi for its slightly longer travel distance, allowing for a bit more depth in key presses, while those craving a more immediate response may prefer the Box Jade. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance, offering a modern alternative to the standard 4.0 mm distance.
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 Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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 and bright bottom-out sound, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch produces a high-pitched sound with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, creating a more vibrant and rich auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference, users may favor the Akashi for its distinctive resonance or the Box Jade for its sharp and clicky sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the BSUN Akashi switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky typing experience, offering smooth key travel and effortless key presses. In contrast, the Kailh Box Jade switch provides an accented and invigorating feel, with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force for an immersive typing sensation. Users seeking a more buttery and polished typing experience may opt for the Akashi, while those looking for a tactile and responsive feel may prefer the Box Jade.
Overall, the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a resonant and smooth typing experience with a clacky sound profile, while the Box Jade offers a vibrant and tactile feel with a high-pitched sound and clicky feedback. Users can choose between these switches based on their preferences for sound, feel, and typing style to enhance their overall mechanical keyboard experience. With these switches, users can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you are looking for a unique, resonant typing experience with a lighter actuation force and a creamy, frictionless feel, the Akashi switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile, accentuated with crunchy tactile bumps, the Box Jade switch would be a great option. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall keyboarding experience.
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