Bsun Akashi vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, we see distinct differences in their design and characteristics. The Bsun Akashi stands out for its UPE stem for smooth tactile feedback and a unique housing combo of POM top and nylon bottom, creating a bright and crisp sound contrast with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean lacks specific defining features but still offers a smooth and silent typing experience. While the Akashi is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', the Dustproof Silent Ocean does not have any specific categorizations. Both switches have their strengths, with the Akashi providing a more resonant and tactile experience, and the Dustproof Silent Ocean offering a quieter 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean differ in terms of their top housing material. The Akashi utilizes a POM top housing, which results in a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it great for switches intended for RGB lighting. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the choice between POM and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired aesthetics.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Akashi and the Dustproof Silent Ocean make use of nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a duller and rounder sound. Despite both switches using the same material for their bottom housings, the overall typing experience can still vary based on factors such as switch design, keycap material, and personal typing technique.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether one prefers the deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate will ultimately depend on individual preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, both the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offer unique typing experiences thanks to their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, it is clear that the Akashi is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean is the heavier option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The Akashi provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch and longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches provide distinct benefits based on individual preferences, with the Akashi being lighter and the Dustproof Silent Ocean being heavier, catering to different typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant for most users, as they both provide a relatively short key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and feedback you prefer when typing or gaming.
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 Dustproof Silent Ocean 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 best known for its clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, providing a crisp and bright bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch lacks information on its sound profile, making it difficult to compare. However, keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. These descriptors indicate a smooth and effortless keystroke, with reduced friction and a polished finish for enhanced typing comfort. In contrast, there is no available information on how the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch feels to type on, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a unique and resonant typing experience with its special UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom housing. It produces a clacky sound and provides a smooth and polished feel with a variety of desirable descriptors. In contrast, there is limited information available on the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, making it difficult to assess its qualities in sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Bsun Akashi, it would be advisable to choose one with a known profile to ensure a satisfactory typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique tactile feedback experience with a resonant sound, the Akashi switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure the best typing experience tailored to your preferences.
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