Bsun Akashi vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and Haimu Neo White both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akashi stands out for its UPE stem and hybrid housing design, providing a bright, crisp bottom-out sound and a resonant typing experience. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Snappy', it is ideal for those seeking a smooth and polished keystroke. On the other hand, the Neo White boasts a medium weight and smooth actuation due to its Ly stem, offering a satisfying typing feel with reduced total travel. Categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', it appeals to users looking for a more subtle 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Haimu Neo White both feature unique housing materials that play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Neo White's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. While both materials offer their own distinct sound profiles, the use of polycarbonate in the Neo White's top housing is particularly advantageous for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing and the Neo White's nylon bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics.
Despite their differences, the Akashi and Neo White share similar qualities in terms of the bottom housing material. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of this classic switch housing material. The softer nature of nylon allows for a more muted and rounder sound, which is preferred by some users for a more satisfying typing experience. However, where the switches diverge is in their top housing materials. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side, while the Neo White's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those seeking a crisper typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Akashi and the Haimu Neo White ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While the Akashi's POM top housing creates a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted, the Neo White's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and more resonant sound that may appeal to users looking for a crisper typing experience. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, making them suitable options for those seeking a classic typing experience. Whether you prefer the soft and absorbent qualities of nylon or the clear and resonant properties of polycarbonate, both switches offer their own distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Akashi has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Neo White, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Akashi has a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Neo White has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. The Akashi provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer less resistance and fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Neo White offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, catering to users who prefer a stronger push feel.Overall, the Akashi is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces compared to the medium-weight Neo White switch. Users looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Akashi, while those seeking a more robust feel may opt for the Neo White.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals who prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the Akashi has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Neo White. For those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback when typing, the Akashi may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more immediate and concise typing experience may find the Neo White to be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 well-known for its clacky profile, producing a sharp and percussive sound that is crisp and bright. This switch provides a unique auditory experience with each keystroke, adding a satisfying level of feedback for the user. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, fitting for various environments and preferences. It has a moderate sound profile that is not too overpowering, making it versatile for different typing needs. Both switches will deliver a pleasant sound, but the Akashi leans towards a more distinctive and bright sound compared to the neutral tone of the Neo White.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a variety of descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptions highlight the smooth and effortless typing experience provided by the Akashi switch, making each keystroke a comfortable and satisfying process. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is described as mild, indicating a more gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. While the Akashi provides a range of smooth and responsive options, the Neo White focuses on delivering a consistently comfortable typing experience without overwhelming tactile feedback.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Akashi provides a unique clacky sound profile with a range of smooth and engaging tactile options for typing, while the Neo White delivers a neutral sound with a consistently mild typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches have their own strengths to cater to different user needs. Experimenting with these switches on various keyboard setups and keycaps can further enhance the overall typing experience to suit individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the specific characteristics that each switch offers. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a unique tactile feedback experience with a bright, crisp sound, the Akashi may be the ideal choice for you. The creamy, frictionless, and polished feel of the Akashi switch can provide a smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a slightly reduced total travel, along with a smooth actuation and a mild typing experience, the Neo White may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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