Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and Gateron Jupiter Red both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Akashi is praised for its innovative design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a distinctive housing combo that creates a unique sound profile with a bright, crisp bottom-out. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red stands out for its smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, along with high-precision molds and softer backlight effects. While the Akashi is known for its clacky and snappy feel, the Jupiter Red is described as mild and neutral. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference and typing style. 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
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
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials have their advantages - POM provides a pleasing and unique sound, while polycarbonate offers a more resonant and clear sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Akashi and the Jupiter Red switches utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The qualities of nylon in the bottom housing will contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch.
However, it's important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch can have different impacts on the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will have more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that even if the Akashi and the Jupiter Red both use nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in their top housing materials (POM vs. polycarbonate) will still result in distinctive typing experiences for users.
Weight
In comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it is clear that the Akashi is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red is the heavier of the two, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Akashi to be more suitable for longer typing sessions and gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Jupiter Red for its heavier forces. Despite their differences in weight, both switches provide a smooth and linear typing experience, making them both reliable options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quick response times, such as gamers. The Akashi's shorter travel distance may provide a slightly faster feel when typing or gaming, while the Jupiter Red's slightly longer travel distance may offer a bit more depth and cushioning. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Red 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 known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy noise with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and preferences. Depending on factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound produced by each switch may vary. Moving on to the feel, the Akashi switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, offering a range of tactile experiences from smooth and buttery to responsive and low-impact. Conversely, the Jupiter Red switch is highlighted for its polished, creamy, silky, and mild feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle touch. Overall, while the Akashi switch delivers a unique sound contrast and a diverse tactile range, the Jupiter Red switch offers a seamless and consistent typing experience with softer backlight effects. Whether you choose the BSUN Akashi or Gateron Jupiter Red switch, both options promise a high-quality typing experience tailored to different sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and resonant typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Bsun Akashi linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and medium-heavy actuation with softer backlight effects, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch might be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preference for sound, with the Akashi being described as clacky and the Jupiter Red as neutral. Additionally, think about the feel you desire, with the Akashi offering creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press characteristics, while the Jupiter Red provides a polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, actuation force, and overall typing experience.
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