Bsun Akashi vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi to the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Akashi linear switch is known for its smooth UPE stem and unique POM top with a nylon bottom housing, creating a bright and crisp keystroke sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice linear switch stands out with its bright and clacky feedback, coupled with a light touch for effortless typing. While the Akashi offers a resonant and polished typing experience, the Salt Ice provides a vibrant and energetic feel. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature unique housing materials that greatly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This contrast in sound profiles highlights how different materials can affect the overall typing experience. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Salt Ice switch allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffness and clear resonant properties. This difference in sound quality showcases how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience and the resulting sound produced by the switches.
When looking at the overall impact of the housing materials on the switches, it is clear that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key. This division of qualities emphasizes the importance of choosing the right housing materials to achieve the desired sound profile and typing experience, whether it be the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Akashi or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Salt Ice.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that the Akashi is lighter in both aspects. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Salt Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams. As for the bottom out force, the Akashi requires 43 grams to bottom out, while information on the Salt Ice's bottom out force is unavailable. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akashi due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may find the Salt Ice more suitable with its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. The Akashi switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes, while the Salt Ice switch may feel more abrupt but still offer a quick response. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for the level of depth and responsiveness desired.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 offers a clacky experience characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a bright, crisp, and percussive sound. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice sound characteristics are not specified, but both switches stand out for their unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Akashi provides a resonant experience with its hybrid housing and UPE stem, the Salt Ice switches are known for their bright and clacky characteristics, offering users an energetic and responsive typing experience.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi is described as providing a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These qualities suggest a smooth and buttery feel with reduced friction, making keystrokes effortless and fluid. In contrast, the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches is not specified, highlighting a potential difference in typing experience between the two switches. However, if the Salt Ice switches offer a light touch as mentioned, they may provide a comfortable and responsive typing feel for users seeking an easy-to-press switch option.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Akashi provides a unique and resonant sound with a smooth and buttery feel, the Salt Ice delivers bright and clacky sound characteristics with potentially effortless actuation. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer a variety of qualities that can enhance the typing experience for users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a unique tactile feedback experience with a resonant sound, the Akashi may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Salt Ice could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision will come down to what specific typing feel and sound profile you prefer, so choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences.
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