Bsun Akashi vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Akashi is known for its smooth UPE stem and unique POM top and nylon bottom housing combo, providing a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. It offers a novel, resonant typing experience categorized as clacky, creamy, and silky. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches from Durock boast a distinct dryness and airiness despite their smoothness, with a weightlessness that defies expectations. They come in five pastel colors and are categorized as frictionless, mild, and feathery. Both switches are easy to press and offer a different sound signature. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE 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 Sea Glass both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing produces a brighter and pleasant sound. In terms of bottom housings, the Akashi's nylon material provides a fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, compared to the Sea Glass's unique blend which offers a pleasant and brighter sound. Despite their differences, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing distinct sound profiles.
Additionally, the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Sea Glass play crucial roles in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, the top housing material has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. The Akashi's nylon bottom housing gives a deeper and fuller sound profile to the switch, whereas the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing contributes to a brighter and pleasant sound experience. These differences highlight how the choice of housing material can significantly affect the typing experience for users of both switches.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Akashi and the Durock Sea Glass, both switches aim to provide an enhanced typing experience with their distinct sound profiles. The unique qualities of each housing material, whether it be POM, nylon, or a blend of materials, contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. While the Akashi leans towards a deeper and muted sound profile, the Sea Glass offers a brighter and more pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different typing styles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch versus the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that the Akashi switch is the lighter option. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it the heavier of the two. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Akashi for longer typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Sea Glass for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and the desired level of force required for each keystroke.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, with the Sea Glass being slightly longer. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Akashi for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can allow for faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Sea Glass with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar experience in terms of travel distance, so the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for the slight variation in key press depth.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 offers a clacky and percussive tone due to its unique design with a UPE stem and hybrid POM top and nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch provides a hollow sound signature, emanating a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, creating a unique auditory experience. Both switches offer different sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preference and the keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance and fluid key travel. Similarly, the Durock Sea Glass switch is characterized by a frictionless feel, mild actuation, feathery touch, and easy-to-press nature, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and responsive typing feel, albeit with slightly different nuances in their tactile feedback and actuation.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi and Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Akashi switch boasts a clacky sound profile and creamy feel, the Sea Glass switch presents a hollow sound and gentle touch. Both switches deliver a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, making them excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking unique auditory and tactile sensations. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Akashi and Durock Sea Glass linear switches, you should consider the feel and sound that best suits your preference. If you are looking for a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, or easy-to-press typing experience with a bright and crisp sound, the Akashi switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a frictionless, mild, feathery, or easy-to-press typing feel with a hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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