Bsun Akashi vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Bsun Akashi, a linear switch, and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, a tactile switch. The Akashi stands out for its unique design featuring a UPE stem for smoothness, and a distinctive housing combo of POM top and nylon bottom, resulting in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura offers a tactile experience with a snappy response and a buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of tactility without being overpowering. The Purple Sakura is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy', while the Akashi is known for being 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press'. To help you choose between these two switches, it's essential to dive deeper beyond these general descriptions to find the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Akashi and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Akashi's POM top housing produces a deeper and muted sound, while the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Purple Sakura allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
Despite their differences in top housing material, the Bsun Akashi and Sarokeys Purple Sakura both offer a classic nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing allows both switches to create a duller and more rounded sound, providing a satisfying typing experience for users. This shared feature highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch, showcasing the impact that each material can have on the typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and Sarokeys Purple Sakura play a significant role in shaping their sound profiles. While the Akashi's POM top housing produces a more muted sound compared to the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The contrasting materials of the top housings result in different sound characteristics, showcasing the importance of material selection in creating a unique typing experience. Whether opting for the deeper sound of the Akashi or the crisper sound of the Purple Sakura, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch due to the high-quality housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is clear that the Akashi is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. The Akashi's lighter force may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the Purple Sakura's heavier force may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Akashi offers a lighter typing feel, while the Purple Sakura provides a bit more resistance for a different tactile experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance compared to the Akashi. The difference may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the Purple Sakura with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Akashi with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a unique feel, and users can expect similar results in terms of overall performance despite the slight difference in travel distance.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Akashi leaning towards a more lively and resonant experience, while the Purple Sakura provides a mild and neutral sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Akashi switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press qualities, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and resistance. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch is described as buttery, mild, and snappy, providing a gentle and uniform typing sensation that is approachable to most users. While the Akashi switch offers a variety of tactile experiences, the Purple Sakura focuses on delivering a consistent and smooth typing feel.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi switch provides a clacky sound profile and a range of smooth and responsive typing experiences, while the Purple Sakura switch offers a neutral sound and a buttery, mild typing feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, users can choose between the lively and resonant experience of the Akashi switch or the gentle and consistent feel of the Purple Sakura switch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light and smooth keystroke with a unique sound profile, the Akashi may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium actuation force with a snappy and buttery feel, the Purple Sakura might be more up your alley. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Happy typing!
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