Bsun Akashi vs. Kailh Box Royal
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box Royal switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch stand out for their unique features. The Akashi switch offers a smooth and resonant typing experience with its UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom design, providing a bright bottom-out sound and deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Box Royal switch is known for its sharp and aggressive tactility, making it a top choice for those who crave a highly tactile typing experience. While the Akashi switch is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', the Box Royal switch is categorized as 'sharp' and 'high-pitched'. 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
70g
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
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box Royal both have a focus on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The Akashi utilizes a POM top housing, which is known for producing a relatively more muted sound compared to the Box Royal's nylon top housing. While both materials aim to create a pleasing sound experience, the POM housing of the Akashi may offer a slightly different tone compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon housing of the Box Royal.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box Royal utilize nylon as their material of choice. This classic switch housing material is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of the switch is significant, as it plays a key role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Despite both switches using nylon for their bottom housing, subtle differences in design and construction may still lead to variations in sound and feel when compared side by side.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box Royal share similarities in their focus on creating a pleasing sound profile, their use of different materials for the top housing sets them apart. The POM top housing of the Akashi may provide a slightly more muted sound compared to the nylon top housing of the Box Royal. However, both switches' utilization of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The Akashi switch is lighter overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Box Royal switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier force, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out force, catering to the preferences of different users based on their typing style and comfort level.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, the Akashi has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the Box Royal's 3.6mm. The difference of 0.1mm may not seem like much, but it can have an impact on how the switch feels when typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, some users may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Akashi to provide a more satisfying depth when typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and how it affects the typing or gaming experience.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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 known for its clacky and percussive sound, providing a bright and crisp bottom-out due to its unique design. On the other hand, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, which may be more appealing to those who prefer sharper and crisper tones. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, with the Akashi providing a more resonant experience and the Box Royal offering a sharp and binary tactility.
When it comes to feel, the Akashi switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors suggest that the Akashi switch offers a smooth, effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and a responsive feel. In contrast, the Kailh Box Royal switch is specifically known for its sharp and intense tactile bump, providing a strong and crisp feedback with each keypress. While the Akashi offers a variety of smooth and responsive qualities, the Box Royal focuses on delivering a prominent and distinct tactile sensation for those seeking a more pronounced feedback.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi is praised for its resonant sound and smooth typing experience, while the Box Royal stands out for its high-pitched sound profile and sharp tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide different but equally satisfying typing experiences. Ultimately, choosing between the Akashi and Box Royal will depend on whether you prioritize a unique sound profile and smooth typing feel or a sharp tactile feedback with intense feedback.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel that best suits your preferences. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a unique, resonant sound experience with a creamy, frictionless, or silky typing feel, the Akashi linear switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a medium-heavy bottom out force with aggressive tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal tactile switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and typing experience desired when deciding between these two switches.
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