Bsun Akashi vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their design and functionality. The Bsun Akashi stands out for its smooth UPE stem and distinctive POM top with nylon bottom housing combination, resulting in a bright, crisp bottom-out sound coupled with deep acoustic richness. This linear switch offers a unique and resonant typing experience, characterized by qualities such as being clacky, creamy, and easy-to-press. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin excels in providing a silent tactile typing experience, making it ideal for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. Featuring a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, the Penguin switch offers satisfying feedback while maintaining a quiet profile. It is described as polished, muted, and feathery. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences and usage scenarios. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics to help you make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Akko Penguin both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating a deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Bsun Akashi features a POM top housing, which produces a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. In contrast, the Akko Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a fuller sound profile. While both switches offer a deep sound, the Bsun Akashi's POM top housing may provide a slightly different sound experience compared to the Akko Penguin's nylon top housing.
In terms of construction, the Bsun Akashi's top and bottom housing materials differ, with a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing. This split in housing materials means that the qualities brought by each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the Bsun Akashi switch, the impact of the nylon bottom housing will be felt in the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the unique sound profile created by the POM top housing will have a greater impact when releasing a key. In comparison, the Akko Penguin's consistent use of nylon for both top and bottom housing results in a more uniform sound experience throughout the keypress.
Overall, while both the Bsun Akashi and the Akko Penguin utilize nylon in their bottom housing for a deep and full sound profile, the Bsun Akashi's additional POM top housing provides a unique and distinct sound experience. The split in housing materials for the Bsun Akashi allows for a varied sound profile during keypresses, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and the top housing significantly influencing the sound upon key release. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin's consistent use of nylon creates a more uniform sound experience throughout the keypress. Ultimately, both switches offer a deep and pleasing sound, but the choice between the two may depend on whether one prefers a more varied sound profile or a consistent sound experience.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Akashi also has a lighter force of 43 grams, while the Penguin has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. The Akashi provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch and want to type for longer periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Penguin offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile feedback. Both switches offer different levels of force, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Akko Penguin has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Bsun Akashi. The difference may seem minimal, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. Gamers looking for faster response times might prefer the Akko Penguin with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel might lean towards the Bsun Akashi with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on 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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 described as producing a clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive with a bright and crisp bottom-out. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a muted and quiet sound profile, suitable for office environments where noise minimization is crucial. The Penguin switch offers a neutral sound that is moderate in both actuation force requirement and sound profile, making it versatile for different environments and users. While the Akashi switch offers a unique and resonant sound experience, the Penguin switch focuses on providing a quiet typing experience without compromising tactile feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akashi linear switch is known for offering a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. With a smooth and buttery sensation, these switches provide effortless key presses and reduce friction for a sleek typing feel. Additionally, the Akashi switch is described as silky and snappy, offering a responsive and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch provides a polished and mild typing experience, striking a balance between gentle feedback and approachable characteristics. The Penguin switch is also described as feathery and subtle, offering a light and comfortable typing feel suitable for extended use.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi switch provides a clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless typing feel, creating a unique and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Penguin switch focuses on a muted sound profile and a polished, mild typing feel, prioritizing a quiet and approachable typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and the environment in which the switches will be used, both switches offer different but equally satisfying results.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and resonant typing experience, the Akashi linear switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you value a balanced tactile feedback with a medium weight and a silent profile for office use, the Akko Penguin tactile switch would be a great choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and usage scenarios. Ultimately, choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
