Bsun Akashi vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry offer unique experiences for users. The Akashi is a linear switch that features a UPE stem for smoothness and a POM top with a nylon bottom housing, creating a distinctive sound profile with bright, crisp bottom-outs. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp typing feel. While the Akashi offers a creamy and polished typing experience, the Blueberry switch provides a textured and invigorating typing sensation. Both switches have their own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences, but ultimately the choice between the two will come down to personal preference. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 the NovelKeys Blueberry both utilize POM top housing materials, which create a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This similarity means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and overall feel. However, the Akashi features a nylon bottom housing, while the Blueberry uses a POM bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Akashi elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry contributes to the overall unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted.
The split between different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches results in distinct characteristics for each aspect of the typing experience. When pressing down on the Akashi switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the NovelKeys Blueberry will have the qualities of the POM bottom housing influencing the overall typing experience. The Nylon bottom housing of the Akashi offers a softer and fuller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Blueberry contributes to the deeper and muted sound profile.
While both switches feature POM top housing materials, the differences in their bottom housing materials create variations in the sound profile and feel of each switch. The Akashi's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Blueberry's POM bottom housing contributes to a more muted sound profile. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on the specific sound profile and feel that the user prefers, with the Akashi offering a softer and rounder sound, while the Blueberry provides a deeper and more muted typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a stronger push when typing may opt for the Blueberry switch, while those who enjoy a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Akashi switch. Both switches offer different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Blueberry switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akashi switch. The shorter travel distance of the Akashi switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Blueberry switch may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer greater depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 sound profile, characterized by a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch provides a low-pitched and resonant sound experience, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is clean and sharp. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Akashi delivering a bright and crisp sound, while the Blueberry provides a deeper and immersive auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. This indicates that the Akashi switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance, resulting in effortless key presses and reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offers a snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff typing feel. The Blueberry switch provides a responsive and uniform typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. Both switches offer a range of tactile experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Akashi focusing on smoothness and ease of typing, while the Blueberry emphasizes feedback and reactiveness.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that can greatly impact the typing experience. While the Akashi provides a clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless feel, the Blueberry offers a low-pitched and resonant sound with a snappy, invigorating feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can offer a unique and satisfying typing experience, allowing users to customize their keyboards to suit their needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Bsun Akashi linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Akashi provides a creamy, frictionless, and easy-to-press feel, along with a clacky sound profile that adds a crisp and bright tone to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile bump with a heavier bottom out force for a more invigorating typing sensation, then the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch might be the better option for you. The Blueberry offers a snappy and buttey feel, along with a low-pitched and resonant sound profile that creates a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Akashi and Blueberry switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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