Bsun Akashi vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and Cherry MX Red mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a linear typing experience with unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Akashi stands out for its distinctive UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom housing combination, resulting in a bright, crisp bottom-out sound coupled with deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is renowned for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with responsiveness and satisfying auditory depth. While the Akashi is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', the MX Red is described as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. 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
N/A
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Cherry MX Red, one can see distinct differences between the two. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side, while the MX Red's nylon top housing also offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the nylon material of MX Red absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Akashi's POM housing. Despite this difference, both switches offer a satisfying sound experience that is well-suited for typing enthusiasts.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Akashi's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the MX Red's nylon bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing may have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing's contribution to the sound when releasing a key is equally important for a well-rounded typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Akashi and the Cherry MX Red housing materials depends on personal preference and desired sound profile. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Akashi's POM top housing may appeal to those seeking a more unique and pleasing sound profile, while the MX Red's nylon top housing offers a classic feel with a deeper and fuller sound. In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon to create a more muted and absorbing sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is clear that the Akashi is the lighter of the two. The Akashi has an 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. In contrast, the MX Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Akashi. However, the bottom out force of the MX Red is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the two in terms of overall force required for a keystroke. Those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier actuation force of the MX Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, we find that the Akashi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Akashi's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the MX Red's longer travel distance may offer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the MX Red being more on the standard side. 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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 switch offers a clacky and bright bottom-out sound due to its unique stem and housing combination, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying auditory experience. Both switches provide distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Akashi focusing on brightness and the MX Red on depth.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Akashi switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and enhanced responsiveness. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is noted for its textured feel, providing users with a tactile sensation that some prefer for its friction during key presses. While the Akashi boasts a variety of smooth and responsive characteristics, the MX Red stands out for its textured feedback that can appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi switch provides a bright and clacky sound with a smooth and responsive feel, while the MX Red switch delivers a deep and thocky sound profile with a textured tactile experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feedback, users can choose between the resonant and creamy Akashi or the robust and textured MX Red switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, providing a variety of options for newcomers to explore in their mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a smooth and resonant typing feel with a bright, crisp sound, the Akashi may be the choice for you. The Akashi's creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, paired with its clacky sound profile, offers a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a deeper, thocky sound profile, the MX Red may be more suited to your tastes. The MX Red switch's textured feel and low-pitched, thocky sound provide a robust and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you value most.
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