Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akashi stands out with its UPE stem for smoothness and hybrid housing design, providing a novel and resonant experience with each key press. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red from Gateron offers a budget-friendly option with a medium-light actuation force for a smooth typing experience and vibrant RGB lighting effects. While the Akashi is known for its clacky and snappy feel, the G Pro Red is described as creamy and mild. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
50g
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 Red both offer unique sound profiles, with the Akashi utilizing a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POM top housing of the Akashi creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red produces a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches offer a different auditory experience based on their top housing material, catering to different preferences for sound while typing.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Akashi and the G Pro 3.0 Red use nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize this material. Despite having different top housing materials, the similar use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a consistent sound experience in terms of depth and fullness.
When considering the overall typing experience, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom plays a significant role. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials of the switches influence both the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Whether preferring a deeper and muted sound with the Akashi's POM top housing or a sharper and crisper sound with the G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top housing, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi is lighter in both aspects. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, with the Akashi being slightly lighter in terms of the required force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Akashi may be the preferred choice. However, for those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akashi. The difference may not be significant, but those who prefer a slightly shallower key press may lean towards the Akashi. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a bit more depth in their key press may find the G Pro 3.0 Red more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer similar performance and functionality, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press 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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Red 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 profile, producing a sharp and snappy noise with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a more neutral sound, with a moderate pitch that is suitable for various typing environments. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Akashi switch provides a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. These switches offer smooth and buttery key presses, with minimal resistance and a refined finish. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch also offers a creamy and silky typing experience, along with a mild and polished feel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and pleasant typing feel that caters to a wide range of users.
Overall, both the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi switch provides a more clacky and resonant sound experience with its hybrid housing design, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a neutral and moderate sound profile suitable for different environments. In terms of feel, both switches focus on delivering a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with variations in characteristics such as creaminess and polish. Whether you choose the Akashi or G Pro 3.0 Red switch, you can expect a satisfying and responsive typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prefer a light bottom-out force and a unique, resonant typing experience with a bright and crisp sound, the Akashi switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium-light actuation force, balanced responsiveness, and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch could be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy a creamy, buttery typing experience with minimal resistance, the Akashi offers a variety of feel options such as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. Meanwhile, the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, actuation force, and overall typing experience.
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