Bsun Akashi vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch offer distinct experiences for users. The Akashi is renowned for its smooth tactile feedback, thanks to a UPE stem and a unique housing combination of POM and nylon. This results in a bright, crisp bottom-out sound combined with deep acoustic richness, offering a resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom switch does not have a specific standout feature but falls under the category of a tactile switch. It is important to consider factors such as typing style, sound preference, and key feel when choosing between these switches. 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
55g
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
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 Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Tom have contrasting housing materials that greatly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Tom's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Tom is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing option. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar sound experience between the Akashi and the Tom.
The choice of housing materials in the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Tom not only affects the sound profile but also the feel of typing on the switches. The different top housing materials result in distinct sound characteristics when pressing down and releasing a key. The POM top housing of the Akashi contributes to a unique and pleasing sound when a key is released, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Tom offers a crisp and resonant sound upon release. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing material is felt more when bottoming out a key, with the nylon bottom housing of both switches creating a rounder and less sharp sound. These differences in sound and feel between the two switches highlight the significance of housing materials in mechanical keyboards.
While the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Tom have different top housing materials, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a common depth and fullness in sound profile. The versatility of nylon in providing a softer and more absorbent material for switch housing contributes to a consistent typing experience across both switches. Despite the contrasting sound profiles created by the POM and polycarbonate top housings, the use of nylon in the bottom housing guarantees a similar overall feel when typing on the Akashi and the Tom. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel is essential for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience with unique switch options.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is clear that the Akashi is the lighter of the two. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is relatively light compared to the Tom, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Tom is unknown. The Akashi provides a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue, making it ideal for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Tom provides a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this comparison, the Tom switch has a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more favorable for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Akashi switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and desired typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular in the market. Overall, selecting either switch will likely result in a similar typing experience due to the relatively close travel distance measurements.
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 Tom 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
One of the primary distinguishing factors between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch is the sound profile they offer. The Akashi switch is known for its clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise that provides a crisp and bright auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Tom switch is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare in this regard. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the tactile feel of these switches, the Akashi switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press characteristics. These descriptions highlight a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and enhanced responsiveness, creating a pleasant and effortless typing feel for users. Conversely, information regarding the tactile feel of the Tom switch is not provided, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a unique and resonant sound experience with its clacky profile, while also providing a smooth and frictionless typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Tom tactile switch, particularly in terms of sound and feel, remain unknown. Therefore, if an individual is seeking a similar sound and feel to that of the Akashi switch, they may want to explore other linear switches with known characteristics that align with their preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on an individual's personal preferences in terms of sound and feel during keyboard use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for typing experience. If you value a smooth and resonant keystroke with a light actuation force, then the Akashi would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a different feel or if you prioritize other factors such as price or availability, then the Tom switch might be more suitable. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly to enhance your overall typing experience.
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