Bsun Akashi vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, several key differences and notable features emerge. The Akashi is renowned for its UPE stem for smoothness and unique housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom, resulting in a distinct sound profile with bright bottom-outs and deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Snow switch employs POK material for both the top housing and stem, offering a deeper sound signature and a smooth typing experience. While the Akashi is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', the Snow switch is labeled as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Dareu Snow both use different materials for their top and bottom housing, with the Akashi featuring POM top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Snow utilizes POK top housing and nylon bottom housing. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the top housing materials differ significantly. The POM top housing of the Akashi creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the POK material of the Snow contributes to smooth, clacky, and durable switches. The POK material is known for its exceptional durability and wear resistance, surpassing POM in these aspects.
In terms of sound profile and feel, the Bsun Akashi with its POM top housing is likely to offer a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side, while the Dareu Snow's POK top housing is expected to provide a smoother and clackier sound experience. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. Both switches are likely to offer a satisfying typing experience, but users may prefer the Akashi for its deeper and more muted sound or the Snow for its smooth and clacky sound.
While the top housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Dareu Snow offer different sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing of both switches adds a consistent element of depth and fullness to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is significant, while the top housing has a more pronounced influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches are designed to provide a durable and enjoyable typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing playing a crucial role in enhancing the overall sound profile.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Akashi is also lighter at 43 grams, while the Snow requires a heavier 60 grams to bottom out completely. In terms of weight, the Akashi switch is lighter overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Conversely, the Snow switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Snow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Akashi. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become popular for their faster response times, particularly among gamers. However, some may find the shorter travel distance of the Snow to feel too abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly longer travel distance of the Akashi for a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired responsiveness.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 Akashi linear switch offers a clacky experience with a sharp and snappy sound, characterized by a bright and percussive bottom-out. On the other hand, the Snow linear switch provides a thocky and deep sound signature, thanks to its material composition of POK for both the top housing and stem. The Akashi leans towards a crisper and more resonant sound, while the Snow delivers a richer and more satisfying auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a brighter or deeper sound profile in your typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Akashi switch boasts a range of descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptions suggest a smooth and buttery typing experience, with minimal resistance and effortless key presses. In comparison, the Snow switch is labeled as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively rebound when keys are pressed. The Akashi switch caters more to those seeking a silky and polished typing feel, while the Snow switch offers a bouncier and more dynamic feedback. Depending on individual typing preferences, one may prefer the smooth and polished experience of the Akashi or the lively and responsive feel of the Snow.
In conclusion, the Akashi linear switch showcases a unique tactile feedback experience with a bright and crisp sound, along with a smooth and buttery typing feel. Conversely, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper and more satisfying sound signature, coupled with a bouncy and lively typing sensation. Both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether you prioritize a sharper and smoother typing experience with the Akashi or a deeper and more dynamic feedback with the Snow.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a unique tactile feedback experience with a bright and crisp sound, the Akashi switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and appreciate a deeper sound signature with a smooth typing experience, the Snow switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force. Both switches offer distinct features that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your selection.
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