Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Ink Box Black, it's important to note the unique characteristics of each. The Bsun Akashi stands out for its UPE stem that enhances smoothness and a distinct housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom, resulting in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a sound reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. While the Akashi is known for its clacky and snappy feel, the Ink Box Black offers a high-pitched and silky experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and Gateron Ink Box Black switches both have unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile they produce. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. This contrast in sound profile can make a noticeable difference in typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Akashi uses nylon which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing which also contributes to a pointed and higher-pitched sound profile. While both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound of the switches, the specific characteristics of nylon and the INK blend material can result in slightly different typing experiences for users who are particularly attuned to sound feedback.
Overall, the unique housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and Gateron Ink Box Black switches play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Akashi uses different materials for the top and bottom housings, the Ink Box Black uses the same proprietary INK blend material for both the top and bottom, resulting in a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound like the Akashi or a more pointed and clacky sound like the Ink Box Black, the housing materials of these switches offer users a variety of options to suit their typing preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Similarly, the Bsun Akashi has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Gateron Ink Box Black has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Akashi switch provides a smoother and lighter typing experience, ideal for prolonged use, while the Ink Box Black switch offers a more robust and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable choices for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant for most users, as they will likely experience similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how much key depth a user prefers, with the Bsun Akashi offering a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black.
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 Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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, both the Bsun Akashi and Gateron Ink Box Black switches are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Akashi offers a bright, crisp bottom-out with a deep acoustic richness due to its unique stem and housing design. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black has a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, which may be perceived as high-pitched. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps, both switches provide a distinct auditory experience with each keystroke.
Moving on to feel, the Akashi is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press qualities, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. The combination of materials and design in the Akashi switch results in a typing feel that feels polished and refined, with reduced friction and a fluid key travel. Similarly, the Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing sensation with minimal resistance during key presses. Both switches prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience, enhancing comfort and ease of use.
Overall, while the Bsun Akashi switch and Gateron Ink Box Black switch may differ slightly in sound qualities, they both offer a smooth and refined typing experience. Whether you prefer a bright and clacky bottom-out or a silky smooth feel with a high-pitched sound, both switches deliver on providing a tactile and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, but rest assured that you'll get a similar level of quality and satisfaction with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a unique sound experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out, the Akashi may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a smooth, creamy sound with a high-pitched tone, the Ink Box Black could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for and what features matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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