Bsun Akashi vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Akashi and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches stand out among the rest. The Akashi is renowned for its unique tactile feedback, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a hybrid housing combo of POM top and nylon bottom. This design results in a distinctive sound profile, with a bright, crisp bottom-out and deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a different experience, with a whisper-quiet top-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth feel strikes a balance between polished and natural. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', the Semi-Silent Linear is labeled as 'subdued', 'neutral', and 'buttery'. Each switch offers its own unique characteristics and advantages, but delving deeper into their specifics will help you determine the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.70 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
Nylon
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Akashi features a POM top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POM top housing of the Akashi creates a deep and pleasing sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, giving it a more visually appealing appearance.
In comparing the bottom housings, both the Akashi and the Semi-Silent Linear utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deep and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience for both switches. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to the satisfying sound and feel when typing, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, while the Bsun Akashi and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear have different top housing materials, their similarities in using nylon for the bottom housing result in comparable sound profiles that are deep and full. The differences in materials between the top and bottom housings of each switch also contribute to unique typing experiences, with the top housing impacting the sound upon key release and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of POM, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, whose actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Akashi requires 43 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch requires 62 grams, making it heavier in comparison. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akashi switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferred choice. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on the actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to tailor their keyboard to their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is equal, both measuring at 3.7 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when a key is pressed. With their identical travel distances, users can expect consistent results in terms of key press feel and responsiveness when using either of these switches. This makes them both suitable options for those looking for a smooth and efficient typing experience.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 Akashi linear switch offers a clacky and bright bottom-out sound due to its unique stem design and housing combo. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued and whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The Akashi switch focuses on a bright and crisp sound profile, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch aims for a more subtle and gentle sound experience. Ultimately, the sound preference between these two switches would depend on the user's preference for a more pronounced or subdued sound profile.
As for the feel, the Akashi switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and responsive typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a gentle typing sensation with a focus on smooth and fluid keystrokes. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Akashi focusing on responsiveness and smoothness, while the Semi-Silent Linear prioritizes a gentle and approachable typing feel. Users who prefer a more lively and responsive typing experience may lean towards the Akashi, while those who prioritize a smooth and fluid feel may prefer the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch each offer unique sound and feel qualities tailored to different preferences. While the Akashi provides a bright and clacky sound with a focus on smoothness and responsiveness in typing feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued and whisper-quiet sound with a focus on gentle and buttery keystrokes. Depending on whether the user prefers a more pronounced sound profile and responsive typing feel or a more subtle sound signature and smooth, effortless typing experience, they can choose between these two switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different subjective qualities to cater to diverse user preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams and enjoy a bright, crisp bottom-out sound with a resonant experience, then the Akashi switch with its UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams and value a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound, along with a silky smooth typing feel, then the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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