Bsun Akashi vs. HC Studio Crabapple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the HC Studio Crabapple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the HC Studio Crabapple both offer unique experiences for users looking for linear switches. The Akashi is renowned for its UPE stem and hybrid housing combination, resulting in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Crabapple switches from HC Studio are entirely crafted from POM, providing a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a mild and understated sound signature. While the Akashi is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', the Crabapple is described as 'Frictionless', 'Mild', 'Subdued', and 'Textured'. Each switch offers its own set of unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and HC Studio Crabapple both utilize POM for their top housing material, resulting in a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. This similarity ensures that users of both switches can expect a consistent auditory experience when typing. However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Akashi employs nylon while the Crabapple utilizes POM. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, POM housings in the Crabapple may offer a slightly different sound experience due to the contrasting properties of the material.
In terms of performance, the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Akashi and HC Studio Crabapple are evident in the typing experience. The Bsun Akashi with its nylon bottom housing may provide a more cushioned and softer typing feel, enhancing the user's overall comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Crabapple's POM bottom housing could offer a more solid and firm typing experience, providing a different tactile feedback to the user. This variation in bottom housing materials can cater to different preferences in typing sensation, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their needs.
While both switches share the use of POM for their top housing, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing and the Crabapple's POM bottom housing contribute distinct characteristics to the overall typing experience. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch results in a combination of sound profiles and tactile feedback that can cater to a variety of typing preferences. Ultimately, users may find that the choice between the Bsun Akashi and HC Studio Crabapple comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 37 grams. However, the Akashi has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Crabapple has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Akashi switch may feel more responsive and require less force to press all the way down compared to the Crabapple switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and want to avoid fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions, the Akashi may be the preferred choice. Conversely, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer a slightly heavier keypress, the Crabapple would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. The Akashi switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a bit more depth and feedback compared to the Crabapple switch. However, for those who prefer a more immediate and abrupt feel, the Crabapple switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific feel that each individual user is looking for in their 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 HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise upon each key press. In contrast, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch offers a more subdued sound, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature. The Akashi's bright and percussive sound contrasted with the Crabapple's mild and understated tone showcases a distinct difference in auditory feedback. Each switch offers a unique sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preference and setup.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These qualities combine to provide a smooth, effortless, and responsive typing experience for users. On the other hand, the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch emphasizes a frictionless feel with a mild and textured touch. While both switches focus on minimizing resistance and providing smooth key travel, the Akashi offers a wider range of tactile experiences, catering to various typing preferences.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi and HC Studio Crabapple linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a more resonant and tactile feedback experience with its clacky sound and creamy, polished feel, while the Crabapple delivers a smoother and frictionless typing journey with a subdued sound and frictionless feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation, users can choose between the bright and percussive feedback of the Akashi or the understated and frictionless experience of the Crabapple. Ultimately, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the right fit for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky sound and a creamy, polished, or snappy feel, the Akashi may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subdued sound and a frictionless, mild, or textured feel, the Crabapple may be more suited to your taste. Consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you want from your mechanical keyboard switches before making your final decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience in different ways.
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