Bsun Akashi vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch with the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the Akashi stands out for its innovative design featuring a UPE stem and a unique housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom. This results in a distinct sound profile with a bright, crisp bottom-out and deep acoustic richness. The Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', 'frictionless', 'polished', 'silky', 'snappy', and 'easy-to-press'. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned but is known for being silent. 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
60g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Silent White, we see that the Akashi features a POM top housing while the Silent White has a polycarbonate top housing. The POM housing of the Akashi creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, which differs from the sharper, higher-pitched sound profile produced by the polycarbonate housing of the Silent White. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the Akashi's POM top housing provides a softer and more pleasing sound compared to the crisper sound of the Silent White's polycarbonate housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Akashi and the Silent White utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, in terms of bottom housing materials, the Akashi and the Silent White share similar characteristics and qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches.
In terms of how the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that they each play a significant role. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when a key is released. With the Akashi featuring a POM top housing and nylon bottom housing, and the Silent White having a polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the sound profiles of these switches will differ based on the combination of housing materials used. Overall, the choice between POM and polycarbonate top housings, as well as nylon bottom housings, will ultimately affect the typing experience and sound produced by the switches.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Outemu Silent White linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Akashi has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Silent White has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Akashi make it a preferred choice for those who enjoy typing for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Silent White switch provide a more tactile typing experience, which may be preferred by users seeking a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers seeking faster response times. The Akashi's 3.7 mm travel distance may provide a slightly deeper feel compared to the Silent White's 3.3 mm distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the amount of key travel that feels most comfortable and responsive.
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 White 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 nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White linear switch's sound qualities are not provided. Depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound produced by each switch may vary, but the Akashi is likely to offer a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with a unique acoustic richness.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. These qualities contribute to a smooth and effortless keystroke, where the keys glide easily under your fingers with minimal resistance. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Silent White linear switch is not specified. If the Akashi provides a smooth and polished typing experience, users can expect a high level of comfort and reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a unique sound profile with a bright and rich bottom-out, as well as a smooth and effortless typing experience with various qualities such as creaminess, silkiness, and snappiness. The specific sound and feel characteristics of the Outemu Silent White linear switch are unknown, but users seeking a resonant and tactile typing experience may find the Akashi to be a suitable choice. It is essential to consider personal preferences and typing habits when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a unique tactile feedback experience with a light bottom out force, along with a clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press feel, then the Akashi switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a silent switch option, the Silent White switch could be the better fit. Remember to consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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