Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Ink Red mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are some notable differences to consider. The BSUN Akashis switches are renowned for their unique tactile feedback, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a distinct housing combo of POM top and nylon bottom, resulting in a resonant experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red is known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. The Ink Reds offer a satisfyingly smooth feel, along with a crispy and clacky sound profile, making typing effortless. While the Akashi is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', the Ink Red falls under categories such as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. 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
60g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Ink Red switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Akashi's POM top housing provides a deep and relatively muted sound, while the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer plastic properties, while the Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing contributes to a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile.
Despite their differences in sound profile, both the Akashi and the Ink Red switches share commonalities in their housing materials. The Akashi's POM top housing and the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing both result in a satisfying sound when pressing down on a key, albeit with different tones. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Akashi and the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red both play a role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing.
When it comes to typing experience, the top and bottom housings of a switch play distinct roles in the sound and feel of each keystroke. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall depth and fullness of the sound. On the other hand, the top housing is more influential in the sound produced when releasing a key, contributing to the overall tactile feedback and clackiness of the switch. By understanding the properties of each housing material, keyboard enthusiasts can choose switches that cater to their preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Ink Red linear switch. The Akashi requires 37 grams to actuate a keystroke and 43 grams to bottom out, while the Ink Red needs 45 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out. The Akashi provides a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Ink Red offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, catering to users who prefer a bit more resistance for a tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ink Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akashi. A shorter travel distance generally appeals to gamers seeking faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for some users. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a quicker keypress activation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing 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 Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 bright, crisp, and percussive bottom-out sound with a unique resonance due to its UPE stem and hybrid housing. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a satisfyingly smooth and clacky sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing style. While the Akashi provides a more distinct and resonant sound experience, the Ink Red offers a neutral sound profile with a hint of chirpiness, catering to a wider range of preferences. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Red switch provides a silky, mild, and polished feel, appealing to a broader audience with its gentle typing characteristics and smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize ease of typing with their smooth tactile feedback, making them suitable for various typing preferences and needs.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Akashi and Gateron Ink Red linear switches offer different sound and feel experiences, they both excel in providing smooth and responsive typing experiences. The Akashi boasts a more distinct and resonant sound with a variety of feel descriptors, catering to enthusiasts looking for a unique typing sensation. On the other hand, the Ink Red offers a satisfyingly smooth sound profile and gentle typing feel that is approachable for a wider range of users. Depending on personal preferences in sound and typing style, both switches can deliver a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, satisfying typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a unique, resonant typing experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound and a light actuation force, the Bsun Akashi linear switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities, so choose based on what best suits your typing needs and preferences.
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