Bsun Akashi vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Smoothie mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find that both 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 resonant and tactile experience with each keystroke. It is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press'. On the other hand, the Smoothie boasts an all-POM construction that delivers a thocky sound with exceptional smoothness and a light touch. It is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', and 'Silky'. While both switches have their own strengths, and appeal to different typing preferences, 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
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Smoothie both feature POM top housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted compared to other materials. However, while the Akashi has a nylon bottom housing that elicits a fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties, the Smoothie sticks with a POM bottom housing that echoes the sound profile of the top housing. This results in a consistent sound experience throughout typing on the Smoothie, while the Akashi may offer a more varied sound due to the differences between its top and bottom housing materials.
In terms of sound production, the nylon bottom housing of the Bsun Akashi provides a deeper and rounder sound when compared to the Gateron Smoothie's POM bottom housing. While both switches offer a unique sound profile thanks to their POM top housings, the Akashi stands out for the fuller sound experience it delivers. On the other hand, the Smoothie's all-POM construction ensures a more consistent sound profile from top to bottom, providing a cohesive typing experience that may appeal to users looking for a uniform sound throughout their typing session.
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Gateron Smoothie, it's clear that the nylon bottom housing of the Akashi contributes to a richer sound profile compared to the Smoothie's POM bottom housing. This difference highlights the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound of a switch, with the softer nylon providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the more consistent sound of the Smoothie. However, both switches utilize POM top housings to create a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted, showcasing the versatility of POM as a housing material in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch's actuation force of 40 grams, making the Akashi easier to trigger keystrokes with. In terms of bottom out force, the Akashi requires 43 grams to fully press down, whereas the Smoothie's bottom out force is not specified. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Akashi for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Smoothie for a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, allowing users to choose based on their preferred typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Akashi has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users are likely to get similar results in terms of key feel and actuation speed.
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 Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 noise, providing a sharp and snappy sound with every press. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky sound signature, characterized by deep, rich, and satisfying tones. The Akashi delivers a bright and crisp bottom-out sound due to its unique stem and housing combination, while the Smoothie produces a soft "knock" or deep "thud" sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a sharper or deeper sound profile.
In terms of feel, both the Bsun Akashi and Gateron Smoothie switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Akashi switch is described as creamy, frictionless, and polished, offering a silky sensation with minimal resistance during key presses. Similarly, the Smoothie switch is also noted for its buttery, creamy, and silky feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches aim to minimize friction and resistance, allowing for a fluid and polished typing experience. Whether you prefer a switch that is described as snappy and easy-to-press like the Akashi or one that is buttery and silky like the Smoothie, both switches offer a high-quality typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Akashi linear switch and Gateron Smoothie linear switch have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, they both strive to provide a premium typing experience. The Akashi offers a clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel, while the Smoothie delivers a thocky sound and buttery, silky feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing sensation. However, rest assured that regardless of your choice, both switches promise a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a light bottom out force and a unique tactile feedback experience, the Bsun Akashi linear switch would be a great choice. The Akashi provides a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing feel, with a sound profile described as clacky. On the other hand, if you are interested in an all-POM switch that offers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, then the Gateron Smoothie linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. The Smoothie delivers a buttery and silky typing feel, with a sound profile described as thocky, low-pitched, and subdued. Ultimately, the decision between the Akashi and Smoothie linear switches will depend on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback experience or the sound and feel of the switch.
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