Bsun Akashi vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Black mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, it is important to consider their unique features. The Bsun Akashi stands out for its innovative design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a combination of POM top and nylon bottom housing, resulting in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. The Akashi switch offers a tactile feedback that is both smooth and unique, providing a resonant experience with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch does not have a specific standout feature but is known for its reliability and affordability. The Black switch may appeal to users looking for a simple, straightforward linear switch option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Black both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Black's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Black is ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the nylon bottom housing of the Black. Both switches utilize the softer nature of nylon to absorb more sound and produce a duller, rounder sound.
One key difference between the Akashi and the Black is the impact of their top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The Akashi's POM top housing will have more of an impact on the sound when letting go of a key, creating a unique auditory experience compared to the Black's polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housings, allowing for a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of this classic switch housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Black ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. The Akashi's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, while the Black's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings to create a fuller sound profile, with the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. Whether you prefer the unique sound of POM or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with distinct auditory characteristics.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch and want to type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer push feel. Both switches offer different options for users based on their preference for typing pressure. If the actuation force and bottom out force are the same, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether a user values a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Black has a longer travel distance compared to the Akashi. The Akashi's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Black's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on personal preferences, with the Akashi providing a quicker actuation and the Black offering a more pronounced keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes speed or depth in their typing experience.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky sound, which produces a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, characterized by its crisp, bright, and percussive quality. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound of the Outemu Black linear switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as having a creamy sensation, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It is also mentioned to be frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, indicating a range of desirable tactile qualities. Unfortunately, there is no available information about the feel of the Outemu Black linear switch, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, based on the information provided, the Bsun Akashi linear switch stands out for its unique sound profile and a variety of desirable tactile qualities like smoothness, responsiveness, and easy actuation. While specific details about the Outemu Black linear switch are lacking in this comparison, it is important to consider personal preferences in terms of sound and feel when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a linear typing experience, and it is likely that users will achieve similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a light bottom out force, a unique tactile feedback with a bright and crisp sound, and a smooth, creamy, or frictionless typing feel, the Akashi switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and are not as concerned with sound and feel, the Black switch could be a suitable option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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