Bsun Akashi vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the SP-Star Polaris Gray stand out as popular options in the linear switch category. The Akashi is renowned for its unique tactile feedback, boasting a UPE stem for smoothness and a hybrid housing combo of POM top and nylon bottom. This design results in a distinctive sound contrast, offering a bright, crisp bottom-out with deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray appeals to those seeking a bouncy typing experience, with clean and clacky sound profile. The Akashi is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', while the Polaris Gray is labeled as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and SP-Star Polaris Gray differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Akashi featuring a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Polaris Gray utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. The use of POM in the top housing of the Akashi creates a deeper and muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Gray produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Polaris Gray allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the two switches also contribute to the overall sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the Akashi results in a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray complements the sharper sound profile of the top housing, providing a more clear and resonant sound experience. This difference in bottom housing material further adds to the unique characteristics of each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Akashi and SP-Star Polaris Gray, they both aim to provide a high-quality typing experience. While the Akashi may offer a more muted and deeper sound with its POM top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Polaris Gray delivers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preferences, as well as the desired impact on typing feel based on the different housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. In comparison, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile typing feel. The Akashi is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Polaris Gray is better suited for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke with a heavier feel. While the actuation force of the Polaris Gray is unknown, the difference in bottom out force indicates that the Akashi is lighter compared to the Polaris Gray, making it the lighter option of the two. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Polaris Gray linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akashi linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, some may find the Akashi switch to be more abrupt due to its slightly shorter travel distance, while others may appreciate the extra depth provided by the Polaris Gray switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance in a switch.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 characterized by a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive noise with each keystroke. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched and thocky sound, resulting in a bass-heavy and satisfying tone. Both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, with the Akashi showcasing a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, while the Polaris Gray produces a clean and clacky noise.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi switch is lauded for its creamy and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch provides a mild and polished sensation, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to deliver a pleasurable typing experience by minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness, albeit through slightly different means.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Akashi excels in providing a clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless feel, the Polaris Gray stands out with its low-pitched, thocky sound and mild, polished typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with distinct qualities that may appeal to different users. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy and clean sound profile, the Polaris Gray with its medium-heavy bottom-out force may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique sound contrast with a light bottom-out force and a resonant typing experience, the Akashi switch would be a great fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a bouncy and clean sound profile or a novel, resonant typing experience. Both switches offer different characteristics and cater to different preferences, so choose wisely based on what suits your typing style best.
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