Bsun Akashi vs. Kailh Box White
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The Akashi is renowned for its smooth and resonant keystrokes, thanks to its unique stem and housing design. On the other hand, the Box White offers a satisfyingly clicky typing experience with maximum audio feedback and a noticeable tactile bump. While the Akashi is praised for its creamy and easy-to-press feel, the Box White stands out for its high-pitched and crunchy sound. 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box White both offer unique sound profiles due to their choice of housing materials. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Box White's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The use of POM in the Akashi results in a more subdued typing experience, while the polycarbonate in the Box White provides a crisper and more resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, while the solid color of POM offers a more traditional look.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Akashi and the Box White utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound for both switches. This consistent choice of bottom housing material between the two switches ensures that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with the nylon contributing to a more satisfying and tactile typing experience overall.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh Box White result in distinct typing experiences for users. While the Akashi's combination of POM top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a more subdued and fuller sound profile, the Box White's use of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing leads to a sharper and crisper sound. Whether one prefers a deeper, more muted typing experience or a clearer, higher-pitched sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams compared to the Kailh Box White clicky switch which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. The Akashi switch would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and a more effortless typing experience, while the Box White switch would be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming. The lighter actuation force of the Akashi switch allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue, while the heavier forces of the Box White switch provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. In terms of weight, the Akashi is lighter overall compared to the Box White switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of resistance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch is slightly longer at 3.7mm compared to the Kailh Box White clicky switch at 3.6mm. While the difference in distance is minimal, it can impact the typing or gaming experience for individuals who are sensitive to these variations. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Akashi switch with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Kailh Box White switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for 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 White comes in at $2.76 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 producing a clacky sound that is sharp, crisp, and percussive. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is described as resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Akashi switch provides a brighter and more defined bottom-out sound, while the Box White switch offers a cleaner and sharper sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with its distinctive clicky feedback.
Moving to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. The smoothness and effortless glide of the Akashi switch make each keystroke feel silky and polished, allowing for a fluid and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White switch is also noted for its polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. While both switches exhibit similar characteristics in terms of smoothness and refinement, the Akashi switch may provide a slightly more buttery and responsive typing feel compared to the Box White switch.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi switch provides a clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless typing feel, offering a resonant and resonant resonant acoustic experience with a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Box White switch delivers a crunchy, high-pitched sound and a polished typing feel, ensuring a clean and sharp auditory experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Kailh Box White clicky switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a smooth, resonant typing experience with a creamy, frictionless feel, the Akashi switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a medium bottom-out force and crave maximum audio feedback with a high-pitched, crunchy sound and a polished, smooth typing sensation, the Box White switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience and enjoy the satisfying feeling of finding the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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