Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Luciola both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akashi stands out for its innovative design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a POM top and nylon bottom housing that create a distinct sound profile with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Luciola catches the eye with its glowing feature and offers a medium heft with a smooth and bouncy typing feel. While the Akashi is praised for its 'Clacky' and 'Silky' attributes, the Luciola is known for being 'Snappy' and 'Buttery'. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and Gateron Luciola switches offer distinct characteristics that influence the sound profile and overall typing experience. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing complements its top housing by contributing to the satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile.
While both switches feature different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities brought by each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's characteristics have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that combines the unique sound profiles of both the top and bottom housings. Despite their differences, both the Akashi and Luciola switches offer a blend of sound profiles that cater to different preferences, whether it be the deeper and fuller sound of the Akashi or the pointed and clacky sound of the Luciola.
Overall, the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and Gateron Luciola switches showcase the importance of material composition in shaping the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While the Akashi's POM and nylon housing create a deeper and fuller sound, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend housing produces a more pointed and higher-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Akashi focusing on a muted and round sound while the Luciola delivers a more clacky and high-pitched sound. Whether one prefers a softer and fuller sound profile or a sharper and more distinct sound, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience driven by their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, providing a smoother typing experience for those who prefer a softer touch. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel. The Akashi is ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch and may benefit from longer typing sessions, while the Luciola is better suited for individuals seeking a more pronounced keystroke and a firmer typing sensation. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the Gateron Luciola linear switch's 3.6 mm travel distance. While both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm, the Akashi offers a slightly deeper keypress experience than the Luciola. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Luciola, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Akashi. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and performance.
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 Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 offers a unique and resonant experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound due to its UPE stem and distinctive POM top and nylon bottom housing combo. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is also described as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, along with additional descriptors like chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched. Despite these differences in descriptors, both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience, making them suitable choices depending on personal sound preferences and other factors such as keyboard and keycap combinations.
In regards to feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is characterized by a creamy and frictionless typing experience, offering smooth and effortless key presses with a polished finish. It is also noted for being snappy and easy-to-press, enhancing the overall typing feel and responsiveness. Similarly, the Gateron Luciola linear switch provides a snappy and buttery feel, with a polished finish contributing to smooth and refined key travel. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of typing, catering to individuals who appreciate a tactile typing experience with varying levels of smoothness and responsiveness.
Overall, while the Bsun Akashi and Gateron Luciola linear switches may have distinct sound and feel characteristics, both switches excel in providing a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer the unique sound profile of the Akashi or the smooth feel of the Luciola, you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and other factors such as aesthetics and compatibility with your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, or easy-to-press typing experience, the Akashi switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are more drawn to a snappy, buttery, or polished typing feel, and enjoy a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile, then the Luciola switch might be the ideal option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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