Bsun Akashi vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the Cherry MX Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both stand out for their linear design but offer distinct features catered to different preferences. The Akashi is well-regarded for its UPE stem and unique housing combination of POM and nylon, providing a smooth and resonant typing experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is known for its rapid response time and low spring resistance, making it ideal for gamers seeking maximum speed and precision. While the Akashi offers a creamy and frictionless feel, the Speed Silver provides a textured and thocky sensation. Ultimately, both switches excel in their own right, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision based on your individual preferences and typing needs.
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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Cherry MX Speed Silver both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. However, the top housing of the Akashi is made of POM, creating a more muted sound profile that is on the deeper side. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver also uses nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the bottom housing.
In terms of sound production, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in the overall typing experience of a switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. With the Akashi utilizing POM for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, there is a split in the qualities each housing material brings to the switch. In comparison, the MX Speed Silver uses nylon for both the top and bottom housings, ensuring a consistent sound profile throughout the typing process.
Overall, both the Bsun Akashi and the Cherry MX Speed Silver offer unique sound profiles due to their choice of housing materials. While the Akashi's POM top housing creates a more muted and deeper sound, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing provides a fuller and rounder sound. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper sound profile that is consistent across the entirety of the typing experience. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches offer pleasing sound profiles that cater to users looking for a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, with 30 grams compared to the 37 grams of the Akashi. However, the bottom out force of the Akashi is slightly heavier at 43 grams, as compared to the unavailable bottom out force of the MX Speed Silver. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the MX Speed Silver for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Akashi. Overall, both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both of these switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver for quicker response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more tactile feel may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Akashi switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key feel and 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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a clacky sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive, thanks to its unique design with a UPE stem and hybrid housing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that is responsive and low-impact. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is mentioned to have a textured feel, indicating noticeable friction when pressed. Again, the decision between the two switches will depend on your typing style and what type of tactile feedback you prefer.
Overall, both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi provides a more resonant and creamy typing experience, the MX Speed Silver excels in rapid response and full height for maximum speed, catering more towards gamers looking for quick and precise keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, typing style, and the specific use case for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing or gaming preferences. If you are looking for a unique typing experience with a bright, crisp sound and smooth keystrokes, the Akashi switch would be a great choice due to its creamy, frictionless feel and clacky sound. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and instant response while gaming, the MX Speed Silver switch with its low spring resistance and thocky, low-pitched sound may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value tactile feedback and sound quality or require maximum speed and responsiveness in your keyboard switches.
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