Bsun Akashi vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and Dareu Sky V4 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akashi stands out for its UPE stem and distinctive POM top and nylon bottom housing combination, providing a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sky V4 boasts a POK material top housing that enhances the depth of sound and complements its smooth linear action for a rich typing experience. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', the Sky V4 is categorized as 'thocky', 'neutral', and 'bouncy'. Both switches offer their own advantages, but diving deeper into their qualities will help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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 housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Dareu Sky V4 both play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Sky V4's POK top housing contributes to smooth, clacky, and durable switches. The difference in sound profiles between the two can be attributed to the materials used in their top housings, with POM offering a unique sound and POK providing a smooth and clacky typing experience.
In terms of durability, the Dareu Sky V4's POK material outshines the Akashi's POM material, with wear resistance 14 times stronger and shock resistance surpassing Nylon by 2.3 times and POM by 1.4 times. On the other hand, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material means that typing on both switches will likely result in a similar sound experience, with the differences in sound mostly being attributed to the top housing materials.
Overall, while the Akashi and Sky V4 switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, their distinct top housing materials greatly impact the typing experience. The POM top housing of the Akashi creates a unique sound profile, while the POK top housing of the Sky V4 offers a smooth and durable typing experience. The differences in material properties between the two switches highlight how the housing materials can significantly influence the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards, ultimately catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, we find that the Akashi has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Sky V4 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Akashi provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, the Sky V4 offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation and bottom out force. Both switches have similar characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out force, providing users with a choice based on their preference for either a lighter or slightly heavier typing feel.Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Akashi and the Dareu Sky V4 will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, we can see that the Akashi has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the Sky V4's 3.6 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sky V4, while those who enjoy a more tactile experience may lean towards the Akashi. Ultimately, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals who appreciate a more compact and precise 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 V4 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 V4 for $4.76.
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 is known for its clacky sound, which is sharp, crisp, and percussive. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offers a thocky sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying. The Akashi provides a bright bottom-out sound due to its unique stem and housing combo, while the Sky V4 produces a deeper sound that complements its smooth linear action. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a brighter, clacky sound or a deeper, thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Akashi switch is known for providing a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the Akashi switch offers a smooth, effortless, and responsive typing feel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This suggests that the Sky V4 switch offers a lively feel with a rebound effect when the keys are pressed. If you enjoy a typing experience that is smooth, responsive, and effortless, the Akashi switch may be more suitable for your preferences. However, if you prefer a bouncy and lively typing feel, the Sky V4 switch could be the better choice for you.
Overall, both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi switch provides a clacky sound and a creamy, smooth typing feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a crisp sound and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sky V4 switch offers a thocky sound and a bouncy, lively typing feel, catering to individuals who enjoy a deeper sound profile and a springy key response. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both options offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering the Bsun Akashi linear switch, you should opt for it if you prefer a light bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound profile with a creamy, frictionless, or polished feel. The unique housing combo and stem design of the Akashi provide a resonant typing experience that is both smooth and snappy. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a thocky, neutral, or low-pitched sound profile with a bouncy feel, then the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch would be the better choice for you. The innovative use of POK material in the top housing of the Sky V4 enhances the typing experience with a deeper sound signature and smooth linear action. Ultimately, your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force will determine whether the Akashi or Sky V4 linear switch is the right fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
