Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Akashi and Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akashi is known for its smooth UPE stem and distinctive POM top and nylon bottom housing combination, providing a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with a deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed for quiet typing in office environments, offering a light actuation and subtle sound signature. While the Akashi is best suited for those who enjoy a resonant and tactile typing experience, the Mountain Top switches are ideal for professional settings that require a discreet and comfortable typing feel. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Mountain Top both utilize nylon as a material for their switch housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This gives both switches a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted, providing a satisfying typing experience for users.
Although both switches use nylon for their top housing, the Bsun Akashi differs by using POM for its top housing. POM housings create a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted, offering a slightly different typing experience compared to the Mountain Top's nylon top housing. However, both materials contribute to a pleasant typing sound that is fuller and more absorbing, making both switches stand out in terms of sound quality.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Mountain Top utilize nylon for this component. This results in a consistent deep and full sound profile when typing on both switches. The impact of the bottom housing can be felt in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the combination of nylon for the bottom housing and either POM or nylon for the top housing delivers a satisfying typing experience with unique sound qualities for each switch.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch. The Akashi requires 37 grams to actuate and 43 grams to bottom out, while the Mountain Top needs 40 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. The Akashi is lighter in both categories, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Mountain Top provides a slightly heavier push feel, which may appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The Akashi offers a bit more depth compared to the Mountain Top, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and how it impacts the feel and performance of the keyboard.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 offers a clacky typing experience with a sharp and snappy sound, providing a crisp and bright bottom-out noise that can be likened to a percussion instrument. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch produces a more neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound level suitable for various environments without being overly disruptive. The sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its smooth UPE stem and unique housing combination. Typing on these switches feels effortlessly smooth and polished, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Conversely, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and gentle resistance that makes typing comfortable and low-impact. The Mountain Top switch also falls into the mild and subtle category, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for shared spaces.
Taking all the available information into account, it's clear that the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi provides a clacky sound and a creamy, polished feel, the Mountain Top produces a neutral sound and offers a bouncy, easy-to-press sensation. Depending on personal preference and the specific typing environment, users can select a switch that best suits their needs and desired typing experience. It's important to consider how these switches will interact with the keyboard and keycap setup to achieve the desired sound and feel outcomes.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you value a unique and resonant typing experience with a bright and crisp sound, the Akashi switch may be the preferred choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and discreet typing experience suitable for office environments, the Mountain Top switch might be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing sensation with minimal resistance, the Akashi switch offers options like creamy, frictionless, and polished. Conversely, if you prefer a bouncy and lively typing feel with a gentle resistance, the Mountain Top switch offers options like bouncy and subtle. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your individual preferences, work environment, and typing style.
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