Bsun Akashi vs. Kailh Box Mute Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box Mute Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box Mute Jade stand out as unique options for different preferences. The Akashi is a linear switch revered for its smooth UPE stem and distinctive POM top with a nylon bottom housing combination, resulting in a bright and resonant keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Box Mute Jade offers a clicky switch with a quieter sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch without the loud noise. The Akashi is best suited for those who prefer a creamy and polished typing experience, while the Box Mute Jade is ideal for those who appreciate a crunchier and more accented typing feel. 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
75g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
82g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box Mute Jade both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Akashi features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Box Mute Jade's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Box Mute Jade allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing adds to its deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the softer plastic absorbing more sound.
Despite their differences, both the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box Mute Jade share the classic switch housing material of nylon for their bottom housings. This results in a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches. However, the top housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound produced by each switch. The POM top housing of the Akashi creates a more muted sound when compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing is felt more during bottom-out, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box Mute Jade ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The POM top housing of the Akashi offers a pleasing and unique sound on the deeper side, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Mute Jade provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a consistent deep and full sound profile. Whether you prefer a more muted or higher-pitched sound, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to their overall performance.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch and typing for extended periods. In contrast, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 75 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, giving it a more robust and tactile typing experience. Those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Box Mute Jade, while those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Akashi more appealing. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for gamers looking for faster response times. The Akashi's slightly longer travel distance might provide a slightly more substantial key press feel for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so both should offer similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Mute Jade comes in at $6.50 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 is described as having a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch is described as having a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Akashi providing a bright, crisp bottom-out sound and the Box Mute Jade offering a quieter clicky sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Akashi switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. It is also noted as being frictionless and polished, providing a refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Mute Jade switch is described as having an accented feel, giving a medium level of tactile feedback. It is also noted as being stiff and polished, offering a smooth typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Akashi providing a smooth, effortless typing feel and the Box Mute Jade offering a medium level of tactility.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch offer unique sound and feel qualities. The Akashi provides a clacky sound and a creamy, polished feel for a resonant typing experience, while the Box Mute Jade offers a crunchy sound and an accented, polished feel for a more subdued yet tactile typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide distinctive experiences that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a personalized typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box Mute Jade clicky switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a bright, crisp sound with a smooth typing experience, the Akashi switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier bottom out force and a more subdued clicky sound with a tactile feel that is not too overwhelming, then the Box Mute Jade switch would be the better choice for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal typing style and preferences. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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