Bsun Akashi vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Ice King Linear mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note that both are linear switches offering a smooth typing experience. The Akashi stands out for its unique design featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a POM top with a nylon bottom housing combination, resulting in a distinctive sound profile with a bright, crisp bottom-out and deep acoustic richness. Categorized as 'clacky', 'creamy', 'snappy', and more, the Akashi provides a novel, resonant experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear is praised for its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, offering a silky smooth typing feel. With categories like 'silky', 'frictionless', and 'polished', the Ice King Linear provides a subdued yet creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, deciding between these switches will depend on 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
52g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Ice King Linear switches both utilize nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. However, the Akashi's POM top housing provides a more unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper, yet relatively more muted side compared to the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing. This difference in sound profile may make the Akashi a preferred choice for those looking for a more distinct typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Akashi and Ice King Linear switches use nylon, which again contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Therefore, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how the bottom-out sound and feel affect the overall typing experience.
Overall, while both the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Ice King Linear switches use nylon for their housing materials, the Akashi stands out with its POM top housing, providing a more unique and pleasing sound profile. The differences in sound between the two switches may be subtle, but they could be noticeable depending on individual preferences for typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a quality typing experience with their respective housing materials, making them solid options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, the main difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akashi switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Ice King Linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Akashi switch would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, while the Ice King Linear switch would suit those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push force. Both switches provide different tactile experiences based on their force requirements, offering users the option to choose based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Akashi. The difference may not be significant but can be noticeable depending on individual preferences. Generally, shorter travel distances are favored by gamers seeking quick response times, while longer travel distances are preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Both switches provide a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for users who prioritize speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. Overall, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a shorter or slightly longer travel distance.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 sound, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound is described as crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a distinctive flair to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a more subdued sound, characterized by a dampened quality that is not completely silent but offers a subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The choice of board and keycaps can influence the sound produced by both switches, ultimately shaping the overall auditory experience for the user.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch boasts descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptions indicate a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, making each keystroke feel refined and fluid. Conversely, the Durock Ice King Linear switch also offers a silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished feel, emphasizing a smooth and buttery typing sensation with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, catering to users who value a seamless and enjoyable feel while typing.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi and Durock Ice King Linear switches each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi offers a clacky sound and a variety of smooth and polished typing sensations, while the Ice King Linear provides a more subdued sound and emphasizes a silky and frictionless typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to achieve similar smooth and enjoyable typing results with a touch of individual character. Ultimately, both switches cater to the needs of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the unique characteristics of each. If you prioritize a light bottom out force, a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, and a creamy, frictionless typing experience, the Akashi may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a subdued sound signature, and a silky smooth typing experience with factory lube, the Ice King Linear could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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