Bsun Akashi vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch stand out for their unique qualities. The Akashi is celebrated for its smooth UPE stem and hybrid housing design, resulting in a distinct sound profile that combines brightness with depth. With characteristics like being clacky, creamy, and easy-to-press, the Akashi offers a resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch is renowned for its creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying tactile experience that blends the best of both worlds. With attributes like being silky, frictionless, and stepped, the Ice King Tactile switch offers a refined typing feel. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and appeal, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
58g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile switches both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and ability to absorb sound. However, the Akashi's POM top housing sets it apart from the Ice King Tactile, providing a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side but relatively more muted. This difference in top housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the Akashi and Ice King Tactile may still have subtle differences in sound and feel due to their individual design and construction. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, so the nylon material in this area will influence the overall typing experience. However, it is the top housing that will have a more noticeable impact on the sound when a key is released. This distinction highlights the importance of considering the specific housing materials used in a switch when evaluating its performance and sound profile.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches share the use of nylon for their housing materials, the Akashi's incorporation of POM for its top housing sets it apart in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will impact the sound upon key release. Understanding the unique qualities of each housing material is crucial in determining the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Ice King Tactile has an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams. Those who prefer a light typing experience may opt for the Akashi, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Ice King Tactile, as it offers a heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Ice King Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Akashi. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times, the slight difference may be noticeable to some users. The Akashi's 3.7 mm travel distance may provide a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the key, while the Ice King Tactile's 3.5 mm travel distance may feel more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key 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 Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile 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 nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch is described as having a subdued sound, offering a more subtle and dampened sound profile compared to most switches. Depending on the user's preference and setup, the Akashi will provide a crisper and brighter sound experience, while the Ice King Tactile will offer a more muted and gentle typing sound.
In terms of feel, both the Akashi and Ice King Tactile switches share qualities such as being silky and frictionless, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. However, the Akashi switch is also described as creamy and easy-to-press, offering a buttery typing feel with reduced finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch is noted for its stepped design, providing a tactile experience with two distinct stages in the keystroke. Overall, both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, but the Akashi leans towards a creamier and more responsive feel, while the Ice King Tactile emphasizes a stepped tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offer unique and specialized typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Akashi excels in producing a clacky and creamy sound profile with easy-to-press actuation, while the Ice King Tactile delivers a subdued sound with a stepped tactile feedback. Both switches share qualities of smoothness and minimal friction, catering to users who prioritize a refined typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide high-quality options for those seeking a satisfying mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter switch with a unique sound profile and a smooth, bright typing experience, the Akashi would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying, creamy typing feel, the Ice King Tactile would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style for the ultimate keyboarding experience.
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