Bsun Akashi vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Bsun Akashi, a linear switch, and the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch. The Akashi boasts a unique design with a UPE stem for smoothness and a hybrid housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom, resulting in a distinct sound profile with a bright, crisp bottom-out and rich acoustic depth. On the other hand, the MX Brown is known for its subtlety, providing light typing with gentle tactility and minimal noise. While the Akashi is described as clacky, creamy, and snappy, the MX Brown is characterized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched. In general, if you prefer a smooth and resonant typing experience, the Akashi may be the way to go, while those seeking a subtle and gentle tactile feel may lean towards the MX Brown. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and Cherry MX Brown switches have some similarities in terms of sound profile. Both switches have a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The nylon material in the top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This can provide a unique and pleasing typing experience for users of both switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Bsun Akashi features a POM bottom housing, which creates a sound profile that is relatively more muted compared to the Cherry MX Brown's nylon bottom housing. The POM material in the Akashi's bottom housing absorbs sound differently than nylon, resulting in a sound that is on the deeper side but with a quieter sound profile overall. This difference in bottom housing material can provide users with varying levels of noise when typing on each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Akashi and Cherry MX Brown switches will come down to personal preference based on sound profile and typing feel. While both switches feature nylon top housings that produce a deep and full sound, the difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience. Users who prefer a more muted sound may gravitate towards the Akashi with its POM bottom housing, while those who enjoy a slightly louder sound may prefer the Cherry MX Brown with its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Akashi is lighter while the MX Brown is heavier. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. The lighter actuation force of the Akashi may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended periods, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the MX Brown provides a more substantial typing feel, which some users may find preferable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two options. On the other hand, the Bsun Akashi linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The 0.3 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can impact the overall typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Akashi switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more deliberate keypress may lean towards the Cherry MX Brown switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing style and desired responsiveness.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy tone with each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, giving a deeper and richer audio experience during typing. While the Akashi offers a bright and percussive sound, the MX Brown provides a smoother and subtler auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference and setup, the sound produced by each switch can vary, but both switches offer distinct acoustic qualities that cater to different tastes.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Akashi is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors highlight the smooth and effortless typing experience offered by the Akashi linear switch, with an emphasis on responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is characterized as textured, indicating a slight friction or roughness when pressing the keys. This textured feel may appeal to users who prefer a bit of resistance in their typing experience. Both switches provide unique tactile sensations, with the Akashi focusing on a polished and silky feel while the MX Brown introduces a subtle textural element.
In conclusion, the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi stands out for its bright and clacky sound profile, paired with a creamy and responsive typing feel, while the MX Brown provides a bassy and gentle auditory feedback, along with a textured typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics to suit individual preferences. Whether you prefer a resonant and smooth keystroke or a subtle and textured feel, both the Akashi and MX Brown switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing sessions.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a smooth and resonant keystroke with a light actuation force, the Akashi may be the switch for you. Its creamy, frictionless feel and clacky sound may offer a novel and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile feedback with a medium-light actuation force, the MX Brown could be more suitable. Its textured feel and bassy, low-pitched sound provide a gentle typing experience that is known for its subtlety. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a unique, resonant feel and sound (Akashi) or a subtle, tactile typing experience (MX Brown).
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