Bsun Akashi vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to preferences in the typing experience. The Bsun Akashi, a linear switch, is known for its smooth and distinctive feel, offering a bright and crisp bottom-out sound due to its unique stem and housing design. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, provides a gentle and comfortable typing experience with a light operating force of 45g, creating a mellow and non-intrusive sound profile. While the Akashi is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Snappy', the Crystal Violet is labeled as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Stepped', appealing to different preferences in typing feel and sound. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that cater to specific needs and desires. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Everglide Crystal Violet both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Akashi's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, while the Crystal Violet's ABS top housing provides a low-pitched sound when typing. In terms of bottom housing, the Akashi's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Crystal Violet's ABS material also contributes to a low-pitched sound. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer unique sound experiences based on their housing compositions.
While the Akashi utilizes POM for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, the Crystal Violet uses ABS for both top and bottom. This allows the Akashi to have a more varied sound profile between the top and bottom of the switch, with the nylon contributing to a fuller sound while the POM creates a muted tone. In contrast, the Crystal Violet's consistent ABS housing results in a more uniform low-pitched sound overall. Both switches demonstrate how different housing materials can impact the typing experience, with the Akashi focusing on a balance between depth and muting, and the Crystal Violet emphasizing a low-pitched sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Akashi and the Everglide Crystal Violet will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles. The Akashi offers a more varied experience with its mix of POM and nylon housing materials, creating a unique balance between deep tones and muted sounds. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet's consistent ABS housing results in a more uniform low-pitched sound. Whichever switch is chosen, both demonstrate the importance of housing materials in creating distinct typing experiences and showcase how different materials can impact the overall sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, it is evident that the Akashi is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Crystal Violet. The Akashi requires a mere 37 grams of actuation force and 43 grams of bottom out force, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet boasts a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches fall within the lighter to medium-light range, making them suitable for users who prefer less strenuous key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Crystal Violet being slightly closer to the average of 4.0mm. Gamers may prefer the Akashi for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial keypress may prefer the Everglide Crystal Violet for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 and sharp sound profile, which provides a bright and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone that leans towards the bass-heavy end of the spectrum, creating a subtle and non-intrusive sound while typing. The Akashi switch delivers a more vibrant and resonant sound, while the Crystal Violet switch provides a softer and gentler auditory experience that is less obtrusive.
In terms of feel, both the Akashi and the Crystal Violet switches are described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that is akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This shared quality ensures that users will experience a silky sensation when typing on either switch, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Additionally, the Akashi switch is known for its frictionless and polished feel, minimizing resistance and providing a sleek typing experience, while the Crystal Violet switch offers a mild and stepped tactility that is gentle and approachable to most users.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile and creamy feel, delivering a vibrant typing experience with a smooth and buttery touch. In contrast, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound and a mild, creamy feel, providing a softer and more relaxed typing experience. While the sound and feel of these switches differ in certain aspects, users can expect similar levels of smoothness and comfort when typing, making both the Akashi and Crystal Violet switches suitable choices for those seeking a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a bright, crisp sound profile along with a creamy, frictionless typing feel, then the Akashi linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force, a mellow, low-pitched sound profile, and a creamy, mild typing experience, then the Crystal Violet tactile switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to prioritize what features are most important to you when selecting your ideal mechanical keyboard switch.
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