Bsun Akashi vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and SP-Star Duck offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Akashi stands out for its linear design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a distinctive POM top and nylon bottom housing combo. Known for its bright, crisp bottom-out sound contrasted by the deepened acoustic richness, these switches provide a novel and resonant keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile typing experience with gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. While the Akashi is characterized by being 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', the Duck is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for linear vs tactile feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and SP-Star Duck both use different materials for their top and bottom housing components, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Duck's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound, in contrast to the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing, which provides a clearer and more resonant sound. Overall, the choice of housing materials greatly influences the auditory experience of typing on these switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the Akashi and Duck switches differ mainly in their top housing material. The translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Duck switch allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. On the other hand, the Akashi's POM top housing, while not translucent, offers a unique sound profile that may appeal to some users seeking a deeper typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize functionality and performance, showcasing the versatility of different housing materials in keyboard design.
While the Akashi and Duck switches have contrasting top and bottom housing materials, the impact of each material on the typing experience is equally important. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This split in qualities between the top and bottom housing components highlights the attention to detail in the design of these switches, catering to the preferences of users who value both sound and tactile feedback in their typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer the deeper, fuller sound of POM or the crisper, sharper sound of polycarbonate, both the Akashi and the Duck offer unique options for customizing your keyboard.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The Akashi also has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, whereas the Duck has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Akashi switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue could be a factor. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would 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 SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Akashi provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a great option for those who prioritize quick and responsive key presses. On the other hand, the Duck offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth and feedback with each key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Akashi offering a shorter travel distance for speed and the Duck providing a longer travel distance for those who prefer more feedback and depth.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy noise with each keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a neutral sound, with a moderate profile suitable for various users and purposes. This means that while the Akashi switch delivers a more distinct and percussive sound, the Duck switch provides a cleaner and more subtle auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch boasts a creamy and frictionless typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth sensation with minimal resistance. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a mild and buttery feel, creating a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches also feature a polished finish, ensuring a sleek and refined key travel.
Overall, when comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different subjective qualities in both sound and feel. While the Akashi switch provides a clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel, the Duck switch offers a neutral sound and mild, buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for a more distinct or subtle typing experience. However, both switches promise a unique and enjoyable mechanical keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the specific qualities you value in a keyboard switch. If you prefer a light bottom-out force and a unique, resonant sound experience with each keystroke, the Akashi may be the right choice for you. The creamy, frictionless, and snappy feel of the Akashi can enhance your typing experience by providing smooth and effortless key presses. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium bottom-out force and a subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch may be more suitable for your needs. The mild, buttery, and polished feel of the Duck switch offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the specific characteristics that will enhance your typing comfort and efficiency.
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