Bsun Akashi vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Blue offer distinct typing experiences. The Bsun Akashi is a linear switch that stands out for its unique design, featuring a UPE stem and a POM top with a nylon bottom housing. This combination results in a smooth and resonant keystroke, with a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch is a clicky switch known for its satisfying tactile feedback. While the Akashi is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', 'Easy-to-press', the Blue switch does not have specific categories listed. If you're looking for a switch with a smooth and resonant typing experience, the Akashi may be the way to go. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Outemu Blue switches both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Akashi's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Blue's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. However, both switches offer a pleasing and distinct typing experience, with the Akashi's nylon bottom housing contributing to a fuller sound profile while the Blue's nylon bottom housing also offering a deeper and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the overall design of the switch. The Akashi's POM top housing provides a more subdued look, while the Blue's polycarbonate top housing is translucent and ideal for use with RGB lighting. The nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a classic look and feel, contributing to the overall typing experience. While the housing materials differ between the two switches, they both offer quality construction and design that enhances the user's typing experience.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, the bottom and top housings play distinct roles. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both the Akashi and Blue switches offer a satisfying typing experience due to the unique qualities of their housing materials. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches provide a distinctive typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Akashi is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Blue requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams with an unknown bottom out force. The Akashi provides a more lightweight typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Blue offers a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a stronger keystroke. Both switches have their advantages, with the Akashi being lighter and the Blue being heavier, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and overall typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Outemu Blue clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Akashi switch falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is favored by gamers for its faster response times. On the other hand, the Blue switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial and deeper key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the feel of the switch and the desired responsiveness. In terms of travel distance, the Akashi is shorter and the Blue is longer, catering to different preferences in 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 Blue 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise with each keystroke. This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used, so both switches may offer distinct auditory experiences depending on the setup.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press qualities. This means that typing on these switches provides a smooth, effortless, and responsive experience with minimal resistance and enhanced tactile feedback. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Blue clicky switch is undisclosed, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of typing comfort and feedback. Nevertheless, the Akashi's diverse array of tactile qualities suggests a high level of customization and comfort for users seeking a specific typing feel.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a unique and resonant sound experience thanks to its UPE stem and proprietary housing design, providing a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. Additionally, the switch's creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press feel caters to users looking for a smooth, responsive, and comfortable typing experience. While the sound characteristics and tactile feel of the Outemu Blue clicky switch remain unknown, it's evident that both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience for users based on their preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, you should choose the Akashi if you are looking for a smooth and unique typing experience with a light bottom out force of 43 grams. The Akashi offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press feel, providing a novel and resonant sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a distinctive sound, you may want to opt for the Blue. However, keep in mind that specific information regarding the sound and feel of the Blue switch is currently unavailable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience.
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