Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Akashi linear switch is renowned for its unique design, featuring a UPE stem and a combo of POM top and nylon bottom housing that results in a distinct sound profile with a bright bottom-out and deep acoustic richness. This switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', providing a novel and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, providing a subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump that enhances typing flow. Categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Stepped', the G Pro Brown enhances your RGB lighting with a frosted light diffuser and delivers a satisfying auditory feedback with a medium-high pitch. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown differ significantly in terms of sound profiles. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast highlights how the choice of material can impact the overall auditory experience of typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the G Pro 3.0 Brown allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a visual aspect to the switch that the Akashi lacks.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown utilize nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite both switches employing the same material for their bottom housings, the difference in sound produced by their respective top housings still sets them apart. The split between the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings demonstrates how the design and composition of switch components can have distinct effects on sound during actuation and release.
Overall, the contrasting housing materials in the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown contribute to unique typing experiences. While the Akashi offers a more subdued and deeper sound with its POM top housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a fuller sound profile during typing. This highlights the importance of selecting the right housing materials to achieve desired sound characteristics and tactile feedback in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Akashi is the lighter option while the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the heavier one. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, providing a lighter typing experience overall. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel. Both switches have their advantages; the lighter Akashi is ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a more pronounced tactile response for those seeking a firmer keystroke feel. In terms of actuation force and bottom out force, users can expect different results based on personal preference when selecting between these two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Akashi with a travel distance of 3.7 mm is shorter than the G Pro 3.0 Brown with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Akashi offers a slightly shallower key press, which may be preferred by those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a bit more depth to the key press, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 its clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a medium-high pitch, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback that adds joy to typing sessions. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Akashi switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance, resulting in effortless keystrokes and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for being easy-to-press, mild, and stepped. These switches provide a gentle typing experience with a middle-ground tactile feel, making them approachable to most users. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that enhance the typing experience in their own way.
Overall, the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch both offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi provides a clacky sound and a smooth, resonant typing experience, the G Pro Brown offers a medium-high pitch sound and a gentle tactile sensation. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches are capable of delivering a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics. Whether you prefer a bright, percussive sound or a gentle bump with minimal resistance, both switches are designed to cater to a variety of user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light actuation force for effortless typing and enjoy a unique sound profile with a bright and crisp bottom-out, the Akashi linear switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a medium actuation force for a gentle bump tactile feedback and enjoy a more budget-friendly option with a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch could be the ideal selection. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire. Choose wisely and enjoy your mechanical keyboard journey!
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