Bsun Akashi vs. Kailh Box Navy
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Akashi and the Kailh Box Navy offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Akashi is a linear switch that stands out for its smooth UPE stem and hybrid housing combo of POM and nylon, resulting in a distinct sound profile that combines crispness and depth with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Box Navy is a clicky switch that appeals to those looking for a heavy typing experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'easy-to-press', the Box Navy is characterized as 'sharp', 'resonant', and 'stiff'. If you prefer a smooth and resonant typing experience, the Akashi may be the way to go, while if you enjoy a crunchy and tactile feel, the Box Navy might be more to your liking. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
90g
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 Kailh Box Navy switches exhibit unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of each switch. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Box Navy switch results in a more resonant and clear sound profile, which is ideal for those looking for a crisper typing experience. In contrast, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, leading to a fuller and rounder sound profile compared to the Box Navy's nylon bottom housing.
While both switches feature nylon bottom housings, the differences lie in the top housings, with the Akashi utilizing POM and the Box Navy using polycarbonate. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side, while the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Box Navy switch. Additionally, the qualities of the bottom and top housings are split between the two switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and Kailh Box Navy switches play a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles. The Akashi's POM top housing results in a sound profile that is deeper and more muted, whereas the Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a fuller and rounder sound profile. Whether you prefer a more resonant and clear typing experience with the Box Navy or a deeper sound profile with the Akashi, the differences in housing materials offer unique qualities for keyboard enthusiasts to consider.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch, it's evident that the Akashi is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. In contrast, the Box Navy is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams. The Akashi provides a lighter touch, which may be preferred by those who need to type for extended periods without fatigue, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box Navy offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, appealing to users who prefer a heavier force for their keystrokes. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are gaining popularity among users seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be significant for most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Akashi switch to be more to their liking. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a slightly shallower key press may opt for the Box Navy switch. In general, both switches offer a similar travel distance experience that is suitable for users looking for a balance between responsiveness and key press depth.
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 Navy 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 is characterized as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of vintage buckling spring keyboards. While both switches offer distinct sound experiences, the Akashi provides a brighter and crisper sound, while the Box Navy delivers a clean and sharp sound with a crunchy quality. Ultimately, both switches offer unique auditory experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound profiles.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors indicate a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, enhanced responsiveness, and gentle actuation force. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Navy is characterized as sharp, invigorating, and stiff, offering a strong tactile bump, pronounced feedback, and a higher actuation force requirement. While the Akashi provides a more fluid and easy typing feel, the Box Navy offers a more intense and tactile experience, catering to users who prefer a firmer keypress. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Akashi focusing on smoothness and the Box Navy emphasizing tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a unique clacky sound with a smooth and responsive typing experience, while the Box Navy delivers a resonant and crisp sound with a sharp tactile feedback. These switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, ensuring that users will enjoy a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and resonant typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is the way to go. The Akashi offers a creamy and frictionless feel, paired with a clacky sound profile that enhances each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy typing experience with a distinctive clicky sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the perfect choice. The Box Navy offers a sharp and invigorating feel, with a crunchy and resonant sound profile that is reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches boils down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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