Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Akashi and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The BSUN Akashi is praised for its redefined tactile feedback, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a special housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom. This design results in a distinct sound profile, offering a bright, crisp bottom-out with deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is favored for its silent typing experience, perfect for quiet environments. With a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch is ideal for those who prioritize a noise-free typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and higher-pitched clacky sound. In contrast, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing results in a fuller and deeper sound profile, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing adds a high-pitched and clacky element. Despite their differences, both switches offer satisfying sound profiles, with the Akashi emphasizing a softer and absorbed sound, while the Silent Ink Black delivers a sharper and more defined sound.
The split housing design of the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches allows for the unique properties of each housing material to be experienced at different stages of typing. The bottom housing, whether nylon or INK blend, influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, giving a deeper or higher-pitched sound based on the material used. On the other hand, the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the clacky or muted qualities of the POM or proprietary INK blend material. This division of properties between top and bottom housings contributes to the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of each switch.
Overall, despite the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, both switches offer a unique typing experience with distinct sound profiles. The Akashi's emphasis on a deeper and softer sound contrasted with the Silent Ink Black's higher-pitched and clacky sound provides users with options for their preferred typing experience. Whether choosing the Akashi for a more muted sound or the Silent Ink Black for a sharper clacky sound, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch based on their preference for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Akashi is lighter in both aspects. The Akashi requires an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Akashi more suitable, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on typing style and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Akashi offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a fast and responsive feel or a more substantial key press depth. Both switches offer unique advantages, so users can expect different typing experiences depending on their choice.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 linear switch is known for its clacky noise, which produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, offering a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as muted, providing a softer and quieter sound to minimize noise, making it suitable for quieter environments. The choice between these two switches would depend on personal preference for either a more audible and pronounced sound or a quieter and more subdued typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akashi switch is characterized by a variety of descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These qualities suggest a smooth, responsive, and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and enhanced comfort. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch shares the descriptors of silky and polished, emphasizing a remarkably smooth typing feel with reduced friction for a sleek and refined typing experience. Both switches offer a luxurious and comfortable tactile sensation, allowing for a pleasant typing experience that caters to different preferences for typing feel.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi switch is known for its clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a muted sound and a silky, polished typing experience. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound level, tactile feedback, and typing comfort. However, both switches promise a premium typing experience that is smooth, responsive, and enjoyable for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and resonant typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Bsun Akashi linear switch would be a great choice. With its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, you will enjoy smooth key presses and a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing environment with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. Offering a silky and polished feel, these switches provide a cushiony bottom-out sensation while minimizing noise. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound, feel, and typing force in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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