Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron North Pole V2

Overview

When looking at two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron North Pole V2 stand out for their unique characteristics. The Bsun Akashi offers a smooth typing experience with its UPE stem and hybrid housing design, resulting in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound paired with deep acoustic richness. It is known for being clacky, creamy, and easy-to-press. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 is described as gummy and provides a deep, muted sound profile with a satisfying chewy typing feel. It is categorized as creamy, subdued, and bouncy. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback and sound profiles that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Akashi Linear

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$4.50

$3.70 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Akashi features a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing, providing a unique combination of sound profiles. The POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. This combination results in a switch that offers a balance between sharpness and depth in its sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and bottom housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile all around. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency.

In terms of aesthetics, the Bsun Akashi's POM top housing and nylon bottom housing provide a more traditional look and feel, with a focus on sound quality rather than visual appeal. The Gateron North Pole V2, with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing, offers a modern and sleek design that is visually appealing, especially when paired with RGB lighting. While both switches prioritize sound quality, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of aesthetics and the specific sound profile desired. However, it's worth noting that the use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housing of the North Pole V2 results in consistency in sound profile throughout the switch.

Overall, the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and Gateron North Pole V2 play a significant role in determining the sound profile of each switch. The top housing material affects the sound when pressing or releasing a key, while the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel during typing. The POM and nylon combination in the Akashi provides a unique sound experience with a balance of qualities from each material, while the polycarbonate construction of the North Pole V2 delivers a consistent, sharp sound profile across the board. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, aesthetics, and typing feel.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch to the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akashi has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the North Pole V2's heavier 50 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Akashi at 43 grams is lighter than the North Pole V2's 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Akashi more suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, making it a preferred choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly shorter than the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Akashi's slightly shorter travel distance may be preferred by those looking for a quick and snappy feel, while the North Pole V2's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more substantial key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Ultimately, the difference between the two is minimal, and both switches will provide a similar typing experience overall.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed, adding a bright and crisp tone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a subdued sound, providing a more dampened and subtle sound signature compared to most switches. This creates a deep and muted sound profile, giving a unique typing experience with a satisfyingly chewy feel. Both switches deliver different sound qualities, catering to individual preferences and creating distinct auditory experiences during typing sessions.

When it comes to feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience coupled with minimal resistance and effortless key presses. In contrast, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished typing feel, creating a unique experience reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Akashi focusing on smoothness and ease of typing, while the North Pole V2 introduces a bouncier and more elastic feedback sensation.

In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch each have their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi offers a clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless feel, the North Pole V2 presents a subdued sound and a gummy, bouncy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference, with both providing a satisfying and unique typing experience. If you enjoy a clacky and creamy switch, the Akashi would be a great option, whereas if you prefer a subdued sound and a gummy, bouncy typing feel, the North Pole V2 would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and can cater to a variety of typing preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Akashi linear switch or the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a light switch with a unique sound profile and a smooth keystroke, the Akashi may be the better option for you. The Akashi's creamy, frictionless feel coupled with its clacky sound may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a gummy, bouncy feel and a subdued sound profile, the North Pole V2 could be the ideal choice for you. The North Pole V2 offers a different typing experience characterized by its gummy, creamy feel and its bouncy, polished sound. Ultimately, both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you value most when making your decision between the two.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Akashi Linear

$4.50

$3.70 per 10

Learn more

Gateron North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more