Bsun Akashi vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch offer distinct experiences for users. The Akashi provides a smooth and unique tactile feedback with its UPE stem and hybrid housing design, resulting in a bright and resonant bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch stands out for its pronounced and balanced tactility, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. While the Akashi is best known for its clacky and snappy feel, the Medium Tactile is characterized by its accented and stepped tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Medium Tactile differ in their top housing materials. The Akashi utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Medium Tactile's top housing is also beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing a visually appealing aspect to the switch. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Akashi and the Medium Tactile use nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics, as it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This shared bottom housing material contributes to a consistent typing experience for both switches, allowing users to enjoy the softer feel and deeper sound associated with nylon housings. While the top housing may impact the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall typing experience, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Medium Tactile offer a mix of different housing materials that cater to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The POM top housing in the Akashi provides a unique sound experience that is deeper and more muted, while the polycarbonate top housing in the Medium Tactile offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, creating a consistent typing experience across the board. Whether you prefer a softer, more absorbent sound profile or a sharper, more resonant sound, these switches offer a range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, we see some distinct differences. The Akashi has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch has an unknown actuation force, but a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In terms of weight, the Akashi is lighter overall, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Medium Tactile is heavier and is better suited for users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Comparing the two, the Akashi has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Medium Tactile. The difference may seem minimal, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Akashi with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may prefer the Medium Tactile. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances and can provide similar results in terms of key actuation and tactile feedback, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance one prefers.
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 Medium 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 Medium 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky and sharp sound profile, providing a bright and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile offers a jelly-like sound signature that is pronounced yet balanced. While the Akashi focuses on a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, the Medium Tactile provides a unique sound quality that is distinctive in its own right. Both switches offer a different acoustic experience, so choosing between them will depend on your personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akashi is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors highlight a smooth and responsive typing experience that enhances keystrokes with ease and minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is characterized as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, signifying a tactile feel that is prominent yet approachable. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, catering to those who prefer a smoother and more responsive feel with the Akashi, or a more balanced and pronounced tactile feedback with the Medium Tactile.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch provide unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Akashi offers a resonant and smooth typing experience with a bright and clacky sound, while the Medium Tactile provides a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience that enhances your overall keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and resonant typing experience with a light bottom out force, you would want to choose the BSUN Akashi linear switch. These switches offer a smooth and creamy feel, making each keystroke an effortless glide. The distinctive sound contrast produced by the UPE stem and hybrid housing combo adds to the overall tactile feedback of the Akashi switches.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is the way to go. The pronounced yet balanced tactility of these switches provides a satisfying typing experience, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. The polished finish of the Medium Tactile switches ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing.
Ultimately, your choice between the Akashi linear switch and the Medium Tactile tactile switch will depend on your preference for bottom out force, tactile feedback, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, it's important to consider what factors matter most to you in a keyboard switch when making your decision.
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