Bsun Akashi vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Lupine 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 Durock Lupine, both of which are linear switches. The Akashi stands out for its unique combination of a UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom housing, providing a smooth and resonant typing experience with a bright bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Lupine offers a two-stage long spring design that delivers consistent weight distribution on keystrokes and a powerful upward movement on rebounds, coupled with a classic clacky sound profile. While the Akashi is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Snappy', the Lupine is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'High-pitched'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Lupine use nylon for their bottom housing material, providing a deep and full sound profile. The nylon material is known for its softer nature, which helps absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a satisfying typing experience with a pleasant sound when using both switches.
In terms of the top housing material, the Bsun Akashi utilizes POM, which produces a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with clear housings for RGB lighting. These distinct sound profiles make the Akashi and Lupine unique in their own ways when it comes to typing experience and sound output.
While both switches may have different top housing materials, the qualities of each housing material contribute to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Lupine offer a satisfying typing experience with their combination of nylon and either POM or polycarbonate housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Akashi has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Lupine has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, with the actuation force being unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akashi switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Lupine switch offers a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation force, ensuring a smooth typing experience regardless of choice.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch is the same, both measuring at 3.7 mm. This means that you can expect similar tactile feedback and typing experience from both switches. The travel distance is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which determines the keypress feel and overall typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth and consistent feel with a travel distance that is neither too long nor too short. In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi and Durock Lupine linear switches provide users with a comfortable typing experience due to their identical travel distances.
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 Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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 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 Durock Lupine linear switch provides a classic clacky sound profile with its two-stage long springs. While the Akashi switch offers a more distinct and rich sound, the Lupine switch provides a more traditional and familiar clacky sound. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the bright bottom-out sound of the Akashi or the classic clack of the Lupine.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. This indicates that the switch is smooth, responsive, and minimizes resistance during typing, resulting in a comfortable and effortless keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Lupine linear switch is described as having a mild and polished feel. The Lupine switch provides a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. Both switches aim to give a comfortable typing feel, with the Akashi offering more variety in tactile experiences compared to the Lupine's more moderate feel.
In conclusion, when comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is evident that they offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a unique and resonant sound with various smooth and responsive typing experiences, while the Lupine offers a classic clacky sound profile with a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, and users can expect different but equally satisfying results depending on which switch they choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a unique tactile feedback with a resonant sound experience, the Akashi may be the better choice for you. The Akashi switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, making typing a smooth and effortless experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a classic clacky sound profile and a more gentle typing experience, the Lupine switch is the way to go. The Lupine switch provides a polished feel with a mild sound and keypress, suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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