Bsun Akashi vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the Cherry MX Black mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Akashi stands out for its UPE stem and hybrid housing combo, which result in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, providing a novel and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches, with Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, offer a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile. While the Akashi is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', the MX Black is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', and 'Stiff'. Each switch has its own unique feel and sound, catering to different preferences. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and Cherry MX Black switches both utilize nylon for their top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softness and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a more muted and rounder sound compared to switches made with harder plastics. The difference lies in the materials used for the bottom housing, with the Akashi featuring a POM bottom housing while the MX Black utilizes another nylon bottom housing. This split in housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of the switch - the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
While both switches offer similar sound profiles due to the use of nylon for their top housing, the choice of POM for the Akashi's bottom housing sets it apart from the MX Black. POM is known to create an incredibly pleasing and unique sound, deeper in tone compared to nylon. On the other hand, the MX Black's nylon bottom housing follows the classic switch housing material standard, contributing to a fuller sound profile but with a slightly different characteristic compared to the POM. Despite this difference, both switches still provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and Cherry MX Black switches play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch. The use of nylon for the top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the choice of POM or nylon for the bottom housing complements this by either enhancing the sound further or providing a different texture to the typing experience. Whether it's POM or nylon, the combination of these housing materials in the switches ensures a unique and satisfying typing experience, showcasing the importance of material choice in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi is lighter in both aspects. The Akashi requires an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the MX Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. The Akashi switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it would require less pressure to trigger keystrokes and bottom out, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the MX Black switch would be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel and are comfortable with a heavier push force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Akashi has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the MX Black. A 0.3 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable difference in typing feel and responsiveness. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Akashi for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the MX Black's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a unique and resonant experience with a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, thanks to its UPE stem and distinctive POM top and nylon bottom housing combo. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch provides a classic textured smoothness with a deep and low-pitched sound profile. While the Akashi switch produces a clacky sound, the MX Black switch offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akashi switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the MX Black switch is textured and stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom-out. The creamy and frictionless nature of the Akashi switch provides a buttery and glide-like typing sensation, while the textured feel of the MX Black switch may appeal to users who prefer a slightly rougher typing experience.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities for users to consider. The Akashi switch provides a clacky sound and a creamy, smooth typing experience, while the MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound with a textured feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their individual needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, you should consider several factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique tactile feedback with a resonant sound, the Bsun Akashi switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Akashi offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky typing experience, with a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a classic textured smoothness with a deep sound profile, then the Cherry MX Black switch would be more suitable for you. The MX Black offers a stiff typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel, sound, and bottom out force.
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