Bsun Akashi vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Akashi and HC Studio Roselle linear switches both offer unique features worth considering. The Akashi stands out for its UPE stem and hybrid housing design, providing a bright and crisp bottom-out sound that enhances the typing experience. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Silky', this switch offers a resonant and smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Roselle boasts an incredibly smooth feel inherent to its material blend, along with a low-pitched sound signature during typing. With categories like 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Mild', the Roselle provides a different tactile experience for users. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and HC Studio Roselle both feature POM top housings that create a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper side, with a relatively more muted tone. However, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Akashi utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Roselle incorporates a POM bottom housing, maintaining a similar sound profile as the top housing but with potentially subtle differences in sound characteristics.
Despite the differences in materials used for their top and bottom housings, the Bsun Akashi and HC Studio Roselle both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles. The split between the qualities of the housing materials results in a balance between the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, and the contribution of the top housing to the sound when releasing a key. This strategic combination of materials allows for a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience for the user, enhancing the overall typing experience of each switch.
While the Akashi and Roselle may have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the end goal of creating a pleasing sound profile remains consistent across both switches. Whether it's the nylon bottom housing of the Akashi or the POM bottom housing of the Roselle, enthusiasts can expect a similar level of deep, muted sound with each keystroke. Both switches prioritize sound quality and feel, offering users a unique typing experience that caters to their preferences in switch characteristics.
Weight
In comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Roselle. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. The Akashi provides a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred by those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Roselle offers a slightly heavier feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Akashi being lighter and the Roselle falling into the medium-light category. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch is slightly longer at 3.7 mm compared to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch at 3.6 mm. While both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, the Akashi offers just a bit more depth. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Roselle with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Akashi. Ultimately, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance, offering a similar typing experience in terms of 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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 described as having a clacky sound profile, which is sharp, snappy, and percussive. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a bassy, low-pitched sound signature that is subtle and rich. The Akashi provides a bright, crisp bottom-out sound, while the Roselle emits a deeper, more mellow tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience depending on individual preferences and setup.
In terms of feel, the Akashi switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press qualities that provide a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Roselle switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle ground zone, appealing to a wider range of users. Both switches prioritize smoothness and effortless typing, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel for users.
Overall, the BSUN Akashi linear switch and HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Akashi provides a clacky sound with a creamy and smooth typing feel, while the Roselle offers a bassy sound with a mild and frictionless typing experience. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for sound profile, typing feel, and overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their own distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a unique, resonant typing experience with a bright, crisp sound, the Akashi switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation, along with a deeper and richer sound profile with a low-pitched tone, then the Roselle switch may suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
