Bsun Akashi vs. Durock Dolphin

Overview

The BSUN Akashi and the Durock Dolphin are both linear mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics. The Akashi is renowned for its tactile feedback, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a distinctive housing combo of POM top and nylon bottom. This design results in a bright, crisp bottom-out sound combined with deep acoustic richness, providing a resonant experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin stands out for its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for quiet office environments. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches offer a balance of precision and satisfying press. While the Akashi is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', 'Easy-to-press', the Dolphin is labeled as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched'. Each switch has its own strengths, but to make the best decision for your needs, it is important to delve deeper beyond these general characteristics.

By the numbers

Bsun Akashi Linear

Durock Dolphin Linear

$4.50

$3.70 per 10

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Dolphin exhibit some key differences in terms of sound profile and material characteristics. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. The POM top housing of the Akashi provides a unique sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a more subdued typing experience, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin offers a brighter and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the sound experience.

While the top housings of the two switches differ in material and sound profile, both the Akashi and the Dolphin feature nylon bottom housings that elicit a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound depth and fullness. However, the split qualities of the top and bottom housings mean that the sound and feel of each key press may vary slightly between the two switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release.

Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Dolphin contributes to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The POM and polycarbonate top housings of the Akashi and Dolphin, respectively, offer contrasting sound characteristics, with the POM housing providing a more muted sound compared to the crisper sound of the polycarbonate housing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both switches result in a similar deep and full sound profile. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the sound and feel of the switches can help users make an informed choice based on their preferences for typing experience and sound aesthetics.

Weight

The Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a lighter typing experience compared to the Durock Dolphin linear switch. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a relatively light switch. In contrast, the Dolphin has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium resistance. If both switches were compared in terms of actuation force, the Akashi would be the lighter option. The Akashi would be suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the Dolphin would appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.

Travel distance

The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them favorable for users looking for faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer these shorter travel distances for quick key presses during gameplay. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference - with the Akashi offering a slightly shorter travel distance for those seeking quicker responses, and the Dolphin providing a touch more depth for a more deliberate keystroke feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a unique and resonant experience with each keystroke, characterized by a clacky and bright bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it a quieter option that minimizes noise levels. The Akashi switch is more crisp and percussive in sound, while the Dolphin switch is known for its bass-heavy and mellow tone. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. Typing on the Akashi switch can be likened to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with a silky sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is also described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and fluid key travel. Both switches prioritize a comfortable typing experience, with the Akashi emphasizing a creamy and snappy feel, while the Dolphin focuses on a polished and smooth keypress.

Considering all available information, the Bsun Akashi linear switch stands out for its distinctive sound profile, offering a clacky and bright bottom-out sound, as well as its creamy and frictionless typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin linear switch caters to those looking for a quieter option with its muted sound profile and polished typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and choosing between them would depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both in your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Durock Dolphin linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preferences and needs. If you value a unique, resonant typing experience with a light bottom out force and a clacky sound, then the Akashi may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a muted, low-pitched sound, the Dolphin might be more suited to your workspace environment. Both switches offer distinct benefits in terms of feel, with the Akashi providing a creamy, frictionless, polished, snappy, silky, and easy-to-press experience, while the Dolphin leans towards a polished feel. Consider these factors carefully before making your decision to ensure that you select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Akashi Linear

$4.50

$3.70 per 10

Learn more

Durock Dolphin Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more