Bsun Akashi vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch offer unique experiences for users. The Akashi switch stands out for its innovative design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a distinctive housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom, resulting in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock is known for its gentle tactility, providing a softer and more subtle typing experience compared to sharper tactile switches. While the Akashi switch is characterized as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', the Light Tactile switch is labeled 'neutral', 'mild', and 'polished'. Both switches have their specific strengths and appeal to different preferences, but diving deeper into their individual features will help determine the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and Durock Light Tactile switches both offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Light Tactile allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it a visually appealing choice. However, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Overall, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and appearance.
While the top housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and Durock Light Tactile switches differ, their nylon bottom housings provide a similar typing experience. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, regardless of whether it is paired with a POM or polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound with either switch. The differences in sound between the two switches will primarily be determined by the top housing material chosen.
When considering the impact of housing materials on a switch, it's important to note how the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. With the Akashi featuring different top and bottom housing materials and the Light Tactile utilizing the same nylon material for both top and bottom housings, users can expect nuanced differences in sound and feel between the two switches. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch will determine the overall sound profile and typing experience for users.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams compared to the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Akashi switch requires less force to register a keystroke and bottom out, making it better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Durock switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a stronger push feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, which is slightly shorter than the 4mm travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch. The Akashi offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it popular among gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Light Tactile provides a more traditional depth and tactile feedback with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience - the Akashi feeling more responsive and the Light Tactile offering more satisfying key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and response time.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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, which is sharp, crisp, and percussive when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and preferences. The Akashi provides a bright, crisp bottom-out sound due to its unique stem and housing design, while the Light Tactile switch offers a gentle and jelly-like sound experience, which is less sharp and more pleasant to the ears.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Akashi switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press qualities. This array of descriptors suggests that typing on the Akashi switch offers a smooth, refined, and low-resistance experience with responsive feedback. In comparison, the Durock Light Tactile switch is described as mild and polished, highlighting a gentle typing feel with a smooth and sleek key travel experience. Despite the differences, both switches aim to provide comfortable typing experiences with their distinct tactile feedback.
Overall, the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer contrasting sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Akashi switch presents a more resonant and sharp sound along with a smooth and responsive typing feel, while the Light Tactile switch provides a softer and neutral sound profile paired with a gentle and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired mechanical keyboard setup with unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 43 grams and enjoy a unique sound contrast with a bright, crisp bottom-out and resonant experience, then the Akashi switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and favor a more gentle tactility with an angelic typing experience, then the Light Tactile switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
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