Bsun Akashi vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches designed to provide a smooth keystroke experience. The BSUN Akashi stands out for its innovative design featuring a UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom, resulting in a unique sound profile and tactile feedback that is both bright and crisp. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver does not have specific standout features listed, but is known for being a linear switch. The Akashi is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', indicating a versatile 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
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 Outemu Silver switches have different housing materials for both the top and bottom housing components. The Akashi features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Silver uses a polycarbonate top housing to produce a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Silver makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, showcasing a more visually appealing look compared to the Akashi's opaque POM housing. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound.
While the POM top housing of the Akashi offers a unique sound profile with a deeper tone, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Silver provides a more distinct and high-pitched sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and resonant sound, making it a preferred choice for users looking for a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches delivers a similar deep and full sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that dampens sound and creates a rounder tone. The shared nylon bottom housing ensures that users can enjoy a consistent typing experience in terms of sound output.
When comparing the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a more significant effect on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This means that the differences in sound profiles between the Akashi and Silver switches can be attributed to the materials used in their top housings. The contrast between the deeper, muted sound of POM in the Akashi and the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Silver showcases how housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the auditory experience of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Silver switch. The Akashi requires a gentle 37 grams of force to actuate a key, while the Silver switch needs a slightly heavier 45 grams. Additionally, the Akashi bottoms out at 43 grams, while the Silver bottoms out at a significantly heavier 65 grams. This means that the Akashi provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing feel. On the other hand, the Silver switch offers a more substantial typing experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly shorter than the Outemu Silver linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Despite the small numerical difference, this variance can have a noticeable impact on the typing experience. The Akashi offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Silver switch provides a more substantial key press feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Silver 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, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience with each press. This unique sound is described as crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a satisfying click to typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, both switches can be enhanced or altered based on the keyboard and keycap combination used, allowing for customization of the overall sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch provides a variety of tactile sensations, including creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press options. These descriptions highlight the smooth and effortless typing experience offered by the Akashi switch, with factors such as lubrication, materials, and spring design contributing to the overall feel. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch is not specified, making it challenging to directly compare the tactile qualities of the two switches. However, if the Akashi has a similar feel to what one desires in a switch, it is likely that the Outemu Silver could provide a comparable typing experience in terms of smoothness and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch stands out for its unique sound profile and diverse tactile options, offering a resonant typing experience with a variety of tactile feedback choices. While the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks specific details regarding sound and feel, if you are seeking a switch with similar characteristics to the Akashi, the Silver could potentially provide a comparable typing experience with the right keyboard and keycap setup. Both switches have the potential to offer a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences and requirements, allowing newcomers to explore and find the perfect switch for their needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you value a smooth and creamy typing experience with a distinctive sound profile, the Akashi with its UPE stem and unique housing combo may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy key feel without specific sound preferences, the Silver may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize feel or sound in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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