Bsun Akashi vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akashi stands out with its UPE stem for smoothness and a hybrid housing made of POM and nylon, providing a distinct sound contrast and a resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch by Dareu is crafted entirely from POM material, offering premium quality at an accessible price point with a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force. While the Akashi is labeled as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', the Sky POM is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different preferences in 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
40g
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
3.80 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
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Dareu Sky POM both utilize POM for their top housing material, resulting in a similar deep and muted sound profile. This material choice gives both keyboards a unique and pleasing sound that is favored by many enthusiasts. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Akashi features a nylon bottom housing, whereas the Sky POM opts for a POM bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Akashi provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Sky POM may offer a slightly different sound profile, potentially with more clarity and sharpness compared to the Akashi.
In terms of overall sound characteristics, the Bsun Akashi with its POM top and nylon bottom housing combination may provide a more mellow and rounded sound compared to the Dareu Sky POM with POM top and bottom housing. The Akashi's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller yet fuller sound profile, while the POM bottom housing of the Sky POM may offer a crisper and clearer sound with slightly more sharpness. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing is notable in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switches, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release. This distinction in housing materials can lead to varying typing experiences and preferences for users.
Overall, both the Bsun Akashi and the Dareu Sky POM offer unique sound profiles thanks to their choice of housing materials. While they share a POM top housing that contributes to a deep and pleasing sound, the difference in their bottom housing materials can lead to distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer the mellow and fuller sound of the Akashi's nylon bottom housing or the potentially sharper and clearer sound of the Sky POM's POM bottom housing will depend on personal preference and comfort during typing sessions. Ultimately, both keyboards showcase the importance of housing materials in creating a satisfying and unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Sky POM. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Sky POM has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Sky POM is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Akashi would be the preferable choice, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. On the other hand, if one prefers a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Sky POM may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prioritize speed and quick response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a subtle variation in feel when pressing down on the keys. Those who prefer a slightly more substantial key press may lean towards the Dareu Sky POM, while those who prioritize a quicker response may opt for the Bsun Akashi. Ultimately, both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a more modern and responsive 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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 offers a unique and resonant experience with a bright and crisp bottom-out due to its UPE stem and distinctive POM top and nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound that provides a sharp and snappy tone when pressed. While the Akashi presents a more distinctive and rich sound profile, the Sky POM offers a more traditional clackiness that some users may prefer for its percussive quality.
When it comes to feel, both the Akashi and Sky POM switches provide a smooth typing experience. The Akashi switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, offering a range of smoothness and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Sky POM switch is noted for its buttery, creamy, and silky feel, providing users with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience with varying degrees of smoothness and tactility.
Overall, while both the Bsun Akashi and Dareu Sky POM linear switches offer smooth and pleasant typing experiences, they differ in sound characteristics. The Akashi switch provides a unique and resonant sound with a bright bottom-out, thanks to its specialized stem and housing materials, while the Sky POM switch offers a more traditional clacky sound profile. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as they both aim to enhance the typing experience with different attributes. Whether you prefer the distinctive acoustic richness of the Akashi or the sharp clackiness of the Sky POM, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Bsun Akashi if you prefer a light bottom out force of 43 grams and enjoy a unique tactile feedback experience with a UPE stem and POM/nylon housing combo that produces a bright and resonant sound. The Akashi offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing feel. On the other hand, choose the Dareu Sky POM if you appreciate a switch crafted entirely from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force. The Sky POM provides a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback, sound profile, bottom out force, or typing feel in your mechanical keyboard setup.