Bsun Akashi vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Akashi and the Cherry MX Silent Red both offer unique features to consider. The BSUN Akashi is praised for its innovative design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a POM top and nylon bottom housing for a distinctive sound contrast. Known for being clacky, creamy, and easy-to-press, the Akashi provides a novel and resonant typing experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a different appeal by maintaining the classic characteristics of the MX Red but operating silently. With a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, the MX Silent Red is ideal for noise-sensitive environments while still providing a satisfying typing experience. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The Bsun Akashi and Cherry MX Silent Red both use nylon as the housing material for their switches, creating a deep and full sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic makes typing on switches with nylon housing a quieter and more pleasant experience. Both switches offer a muted sound profile, but the Akashi's POM top housing creates a unique sound that is slightly different from the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing.
While both switches have nylon bottom housing, the Akashi's POM top housing sets it apart from the Cherry MX Silent Red. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more pleasing sound, offering a different typing experience compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. However, both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, making them both ideal choices for those looking for a quieter typing experience. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi and Cherry MX Silent Red share the use of nylon as the housing material, providing a deep and full sound profile that is quieter and more pleasing to the ear. While the Akashi's POM top housing creates a slightly different sound compared to the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer a quiet and pleasant typing experience, making them suitable choices for those seeking a quieter mechanical keyboard option.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the MX Silent Red. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Akashi requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the MX Silent Red. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akashi, while individuals who prefer a slightly heavier push feel may opt for the MX Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch have a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, users will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, the typing experience and feel of both switches will be quite similar due to the identical travel distance. The similarities in travel distance between these two switches make them ideal choices for users who prefer a consistent typing experience regardless of the specific switch being used.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 clacky experience with a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch provides a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile that minimizes typical mechanical keyboard noise. The Akashi switch is more vibrant and resonant, while the MX Silent Red switch focuses on maintaining a quieter typing environment with a deeper acoustic tone. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Akashi being more lively and the MX Silent Red being more subdued.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors indicate a smooth, effortless, and responsive typing experience with minimal resistance and gentle actuation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is described as textured, which suggests the presence of noticeable friction during key presses. The Akashi switch provides a luxurious typing sensation with a variety of smooth and responsive attributes, while the MX Silent Red switch might appeal to those who prefer a slightly textured feel for enhanced tactile feedback.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer contrasting but equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi switch delivers a bright and clacky sound with a creamy and polished typing experience, while the MX Silent Red switch provides a quieter thocky sound with a textured feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound profile and typing sensation, both switches can offer a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a unique sound experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out and hybrid housing for acoustic richness, the Akashi may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a classic, slightly heftier feel with silent operation and significantly quieter sound profile, the MX Silent Red could better suit your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should align with your specific typing needs and preferences for sound and feel. Whichever switch you choose, both the Bsun Akashi and the Cherry MX Silent Red offer distinctive characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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