Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Jupiter Brown. The Akashi is a linear switch that stands out for its unique design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a blend of POM top and nylon bottom housing. This combination results in a distinct sound profile, offering a bright and crisp bottom-out with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown is a tactile switch that combines tradition with innovation, featuring a single-stage spring for a classic keystroke feel at a medium-heavy weight. Both switches prioritize high-precision molds and reliable performance, but the Akashi leans towards a clacky and snappy experience, while the Jupiter Brown offers a more mild and polished typing experience. Each switch has its own set of qualities that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a linear or tactile typing 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Polycarbonate
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
Spring steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, one can see distinct differences in how each material affects the sound profile of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Jupiter Brown switch also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the sound experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. Overall, the choice of housing material significantly impacts the overall typing experience and sound of the switches.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Jupiter Brown share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a more rounded sound experience for typists using either switch. This shared characteristic highlights the importance of the bottom housing in shaping the overall sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch. While the top housing may have a more noticeable impact on the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel, ultimately influencing the overall typing experience.
In terms of material choices, the Akashi's POM top housing and the Jupiter Brown's polycarbonate top housing offer contrasting sound profiles, with the POM creating a more muted sound and the polycarbonate producing a sharper, crisper sound. While the choice between POM and polycarbonate may come down to personal preference, both materials have unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. Additionally, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent deep and full sound, highlighting the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall sound profile of mechanical keyboard switches. Whether you prefer a quieter, deeper sound or a sharper, more resonant sound, the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and Gateron Jupiter Brown offer a range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Akashi requires 43 grams while the Jupiter Brown needs 70 grams, making the latter significantly heavier. Lighter actuation forces are preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, allowing for less fatigue. On the other hand, a heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer distinct experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Akashi has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the Jupiter Brown's 4 mm. The Akashi's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Jupiter Brown's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Akashi being on the shallower end and the Jupiter Brown being more standard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a shorter or 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 Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 described as producing a clacky noise, known for its sharp and snappy sound when pressed, resulting in a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch's sound quality is not specified. Please note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akashi linear switch offers a creamy experience due to its smooth UPE stem and unique housing combo, providing a silky and frictionless typing sensation with enhanced responsiveness and low-impact for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, giving a gentle and refined feel that falls within a safe middle ground zone, allowing for comfortable typing with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch provides a unique and resonant tactile feedback with a clacky sound profile and creamy typing feel, perfect for those seeking a smooth and responsive typing experience with a bright bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offers a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight and mild typing experience, making it suitable for those looking for a traditional yet comfortable typing feel with a polished finish. Both switches offer high-precision molds and reliability in performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Akashi linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a unique and resonant typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Akashi switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more classic tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Jupiter Brown switch could be more suited to your typing needs. Consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and aesthetic appeal, so you can't go wrong with either choice.