Bsun Akashi vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Silent Ocean mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they both belong to the linear switch category. The Akashi stands out for its innovative design featuring a UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom, which combine to offer a unique sound profile with a bright, crisp bottom-out and deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean does not have any specific standout features mentioned. The Akashi is praised for being 'clacky', 'creamy', 'frictionless', 'polished', 'silky', 'snappy', and 'easy-to-press', making it a versatile option for various typing 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
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
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 housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches both offer unique sound profiles and characteristics. While the Akashi features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound, the Silent Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of POM in the Akashi results in a more pleasing and unique sound, while the polycarbonate in the Silent Ocean enhances the overall clarity and resonance. However, both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials between the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches, both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing which creates a similar deep and full sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows for a duller and rounder sound as compared to harder plastics. However, the top housing materials of POM in the Akashi and polycarbonate in the Silent Ocean contribute to distinct sound characteristics, with POM providing a more muted sound and polycarbonate offering a crisper and higher-pitched sound.
In terms of functionality, the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials of a switch play a significant role in the overall sound and feel experienced while typing. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material affects the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between POM and polycarbonate top housings in the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches can significantly impact the sound profile and typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, one noticeable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akashi has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Silent Ocean's heavier 45 grams. Similarly, the Akashi has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams while the Silent Ocean has a medium-heavy 65 grams. This means that the Akashi provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing comfort and feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Akashi has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ocean. When it comes to key feel, the shorter travel distance of the Akashi can provide a quicker response time, which is preferred by many gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Silent Ocean may offer a more satisfying depth for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound with each key press. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is unknown. The difference in sound between the two switches is evident, with the Akashi offering a distinctive and resonant typing experience compared to the Silent Ocean's unknown sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. This translates to a smooth and buttery feel, minimal resistance during key presses, reduced friction for enhanced smoothness, exceptional responsiveness, and gentle resistance for comfortable typing. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is unknown. The stark contrast in feel between the Akashi and Silent Ocean switches showcases the range of tactile experiences available in mechanical keyboard switches.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch stands out for its unique sound contrast and a variety of tactile feel options, making it a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a novel and resonant typing experience. In comparison, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch lacks information on its sound and feel qualities, making it difficult to directly compare to the Akashi. However, based on the known qualities of the Akashi, it's safe to say that opting for the Silent Ocean may provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, it really depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom out force and are looking for a unique, resonant typing experience with a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, or easy-to-press feel, then the Akashi switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are seeking a different sound and feel profile, the Silent Ocean switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches have their own distinct qualities and it's important to consider what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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