Bsun Akashi vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the BSUN Akashi and the Keygeek Raw both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akashi stands out for its UPE stem and hybrid housing design, resulting in a distinct sound profile and smooth keystrokes. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', the Akashi provides a novel and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw features a blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon in its housing, offering a creamy and lightweight feel. Categorized as 'Textured', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle', the Keygeek Raw provides a slightly textured feel out of the box, making it a great starting point for those who prefer hand-lubing their switches. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and Keygeek Keygeek Raw both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing offers an exclusive sound experience. On the other hand, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, whereas the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend bottom housing brings its own unique qualities to the table.
While both switches may have different housing materials for the top and bottom, they share a common goal of enhancing the typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing allows users to feel the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This shows how housing materials play a crucial role in dictating not only the sound profile but also the overall tactile feedback of a switch.
Each housing material brings its own set of characteristics to the switches, influencing the sound and feel in distinct ways. Whether it's the deep and unique sound profile of POM in the Akashi or the exclusive blend of Nylon & UPE in the Keygeek Raw, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The use of different materials in the top and bottom housings allows for a balanced combination of properties that cater to users looking for a specific sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it is clear that there are differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akashi has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Keygeek Raw, which has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Akashi is also lighter at 43 grams, while the Keygeek Raw has a heavier bottom out force of 57.5 grams. The Akashi provides a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw offers a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Keygeek Raw being slightly shorter than the Akashi. For those looking for faster response times, the Keygeek Raw may be the preferred option due to its shorter travel distance. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. On the other hand, the Akashi offers a slightly longer travel distance, which can provide a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired response speed.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 clacky nature, providing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments and preferences. The Akashi's acoustics are tailored to deliver a resonant and unique auditory experience, while the Keygeek Raw's sound is more versatile for different user preferences. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will be influenced by factors like the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Akashi linear switch is described with descriptors like "creamy," "frictionless," and "polished," emphasizing a smooth and refined typing experience with an effortless glide across the keys. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw linear switch is described as "textured," "mild," and "subtle," offering a gentle typing feel with a slight friction that may appeal to certain users. The Akashi's switches focus on delivering a polished and silky typing experience, while the Keygeek Raw provides a more approachable and subtle feel. Both switches cater to different preferences in regard to typing sensation, making it crucial for users to choose based on their personal preferences.
In conclusion, the BSUN Akashi and Keygeek Raw linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a clacky and resonant sound with a creamy and polished feel, ideal for users seeking a smooth and refined typing experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw offers a neutral sound profile and a textured, mild feel, catering to those who prefer a gentle and subtle typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, or easy-to-press feel, then the Akashi switch with its unique stem and hybrid housing design would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a textured, mild, or subtle feel, then the Keygeek Raw switch's material blend and unlubricated design may be more appealing to you. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles as well, with the Akashi being described as clacky and the Keygeek Raw as neutral. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a smooth and resonant typing experience or a slightly textured and lightweight feel.
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