Bsun Akashi vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Piano are two popular options to consider. The Bsun Akashi is praised for its unique tactile feedback, thanks to its UPE stem and hybrid housing combination of POM and nylon. This results in a distinct sound profile that offers a bright, crisp bottom-out with deep acoustic richness, providing a novel and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is renowned for its proprietary material blend, delivering a smooth and creamy typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep sound signature. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky' and 'snappy' among other qualities, the Piano is noted as 'bassy' and 'silky'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but diving deeper into their individual characteristics will better guide you in selecting the ideal switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Piano switches exhibit some similarities in terms of their unique sound profiles. Both switches utilize POM material in their top housings, with the Akashi using POM exclusively and the Piano boasting a proprietary POM blend. These materials are known for creating deep and pleasing sound profiles, albeit with subtle differences in tone. The POM blend in the Piano switch offers a more satisfying and unique sound compared to the Akashi's POM top housing.
When it comes to the bottom housings, however, the Bsun Akashi uses nylon while the Durock Piano employs their proprietary POM blend. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a fuller, deeper sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Piano's POM blend bottom housing also offers a similarly satisfying and deep sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Piano switches showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While both switches share the use of POM material in their top housing for unique sound profiles, the Bsun Akashi stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a fuller and deeper sound compared to the Piano's proprietary POM blend. However, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in achieving desired sound and feel profiles in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi is lighter in both aspects. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Piano's actuation force is unknown. Additionally, the Akashi has a bottom out force of 43 grams, whereas the Piano has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The light actuation and bottom out force of the Akashi make it suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as for work or gaming. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Piano provides a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Akashi may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Piano switch's longer travel distance could be preferred by those seeking a more substantial and tactile keystroke. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances that cater to different preferences, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance regardless of which one you choose.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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, which provides a sharp and snappy auditory experience with each press. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a bassy sound signature, delivering a deeper and richer tonality during typing. Depending on your preference for sound, the Akashi will give you a crisper and brighter bottom-out sound, while the Piano will provide a deeper and more resonant typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. This means that when typing on the Akashi, you can expect a smooth, effortless, and polished typing experience with minimal resistance and maximum comfort. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as frictionless and silky, emphasizing a smooth and seamless typing feel that enhances overall typing comfort. Both switches focus on providing a fluid and effortless typing experience that minimizes any sense of discomfort or resistance.
Considering all the available information, while the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer different sound profiles, both switches prioritize providing a smooth and seamless typing experience. Whether you prefer a clacky and bright sound with the Akashi or a bassy and deep sound with the Piano, you can expect similar results in terms of feel with both switches offering a frictionless and silky typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and the type of typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a unique sound contrast with a bright, crisp bottom-out, the Akashi may be the ideal choice for you. The Akashi offers a resonant experience with its UPE stem and hybrid housing design. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, creamy sound signature with a gliding push feel, the Durock Piano switch might be more fitting for your preferences. Both switches offer smooth typing experiences, with the Akashi being described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, while the Piano is characterized as frictionless and silky. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the feel and sound profile that align best with your typing preferences.
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