Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Akashi linear switch stands out for its innovative design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a unique housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom. Known for its bright, crisp bottom-out sound and resonant experience with each keystroke, the Akashi switch offers a tactile feedback like no other. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch boasts a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clack, making it a popular choice for those seeking a smooth and polished typing experience. While both switches fall under the 'Clacky' and 'Polished' categories, the Akashi is described as 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', whereas the Ink Box Pink is labeled as 'High-pitched' and 'Silky'. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer distinct sound profiles due to the different materials used. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Ink Box Pink's INK blend top housing, which produces a higher-pitched and clacky sound. This contrast in sound profiles can drastically change the typing experience for users, with the Akashi providing a quieter and more subtle typing sound, while the Ink Box Pink offers a sharper and more pronounced sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing shares similarities with its top housing in producing a high-pitched and clacky sound. This shows that the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, providing users with different tactile and auditory feedback.
While the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches may have different properties, both play a crucial role in defining the overall typing experience. The top housing influences the sound when pressing and releasing a key, while the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Despite their differences in sound profiles, both switches offer users a unique typing experience that is tailored to their preferences, whether they prefer a deeper and more muted sound or a sharper and clackier sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch. The Akashi requires 37 grams of force to actuate and 43 grams to bottom out, while the Ink Box Pink needs 50 grams to actuation and 60 grams to bottoming out. This means the Akashi provides a softer touch and potentially allows for more extended typing sessions or gaming periods, as less force is needed. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing comfort and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for fast response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be very noticeable in practical use, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness from both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference - if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial key press, the Akashi may be the better choice, while the Ink Box Pink could be the preferred option for those who prefer a quicker, more abrupt response.
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 Pink 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 Pink 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, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is characterized by a clacky and bright sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch also offers a clacky sound, but with a higher-pitched tone, giving a more crisp and sharp sound when pressed. Both switches deliver a satisfying auditory feedback, making them suitable for users who enjoy a tactile typing experience with distinctive sound signatures.
Moving on to the feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience, with a silky sensation and polished finish that enhances the overall smoothness of keystrokes. The switch is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing effortless and comfortable. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch provides a silky and polished typing feel, minimizing resistance during key presses and releasing keys smoothly. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant tactile experience, ensuring that users can glide their fingers across keys with ease.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have their unique sound and feel characteristics, they both offer exceptional qualities that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and frictionless typing feel like the Akashi, or a higher-pitched clack with a silky and polished typing experience like the Ink Box Pink, both switches promise a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel, but rest assured that you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a unique sound profile that offers a bright, crisp bottom-out, then the Bsun Akashi linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a lighter actuation force and a higher-pitched clack sound, then the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a distinct typing experience, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.
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