Bsun Akashi vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider the different characteristics that each switch offers. The Bsun Akashi, a linear switch, is best known for its unique design featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a hybrid housing combo of POM top and nylon bottom. This results in a distinct sound contrast with a bright, crisp bottom-out and deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit, a tactile switch, stands out with its long pole stem that provides a sharp, definitive bottom-out and the most significant tactile feedback in the lineup. Paired with a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit offers a lively and engaging typing experience. While the Akashi is described as 'Frictionless' and 'Silky', the Dragon Fruit is labeled as 'Accented' and 'Sharp'. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and Bsun Dragon Fruit both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Akashi features a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound, while the Dragon Fruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, both switches have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the switches share similar qualities in their bottom housing material, resulting in comparable typing experiences in terms of sound.
The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings of the Akashi and Dragon Fruit switches allow for distinct sound profiles when typing. The POM top housing of the Akashi creates a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Dragon Fruit offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In contrast, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile. This split in housing materials between the top and bottom allows for a variety of typing experiences, depending on which part of the switch is impacted during use.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Bsun Akashi and Bsun Dragon Fruit switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profiles of each switch. The POM top housing of the Akashi and the polycarbonate top housing of the Dragon Fruit create distinct sound characteristics, with the Akashi offering a deeper sound and the Dragon Fruit providing a sharper sound. Despite these differences, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that enhances the typing experience with a fuller and deeper sound. The unique combination of housing materials in each switch results in a diverse range of typing experiences for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, we see a noticeable difference in the weight of the keys. The Akashi switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Dragon Fruit switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for those who enjoy a stronger typing experience. The difference in weight between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the Akashi being lighter and the Dragon Fruit being medium-heavy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Dragon Fruit switch would provide a slightly shallower key press compared to the Akashi switch. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Dragon Fruit switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Akashi switch with a slightly longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular in the market today, catering to different preferences based on individual typing or gaming styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for key press depth 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 Bsun Dragon Fruit has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dragon Fruit for $3.83.
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 often described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This is due to the unique combination of the UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom housing, creating a bright and percussive acoustic profile. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is not explicitly mentioned, so it is difficult to compare directly. However, given the tactile nature of the Dragon Fruit switch, it may produce a slightly quieter sound compared to the Akashi due to the tactile bump dampening some of the sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press qualities. These descriptors indicate a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and a responsive feel. In contrast, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. These qualities suggest a tactile bump that is prominent and distinct, providing a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. The Dragon Fruit may offer a more pronounced tactile feel compared to the Akashi's linear action.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch stands out for its unique sound profile that combines a bright, crisp bottom-out with acoustic richness, providing a resonant typing experience. In terms of feel, the Akashi offers a smooth and responsive typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is characterized by a tactile bump that is medium-weight and provides a satisfying feedback, accompanied by a clacky sound signature. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences, with the Akashi focusing on resonance and smoothness, while the Dragon Fruit emphasizes a tactile and engaging typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a linear action with a unique sound profile or a tactile feel with satisfying feedback.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Akashi if you prefer a light bottom out force of 43 grams and enjoy a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, or snappy typing experience. The Akashi's unique sound profile, described as clacky, provides a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with a deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, go for the Dragon Fruit if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and seek an accented, invigorating, sharp, or snappy tactile feedback. The Dragon Fruit offers the most significant tactile feedback in the lineup, providing a satisfying bump at each press accompanied by a clacky sound signature. Ultimately, your choice between the Akashi and the Dragon Fruit will depend on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and tactile feedback intensity.
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