Bsun Akashi vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Swift, both of which are linear switches. The Bsun Akashi is renowned for its innovative design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a unique housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom. This results in a bright, crisp bottom-out sound paired with deep acoustic richness, providing a novel and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift offers a deeper sound profile with its full nylon housings, along with a silky smoothness and a delicate 42g actuation force. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', the Swift is categorized as 'easy-to-press', 'feathery', and 'bouncy'. Ultimately, both switches have their own distinct characteristics and advantages, making them appealing choices for different 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
42g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Swift both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a deep and full sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The difference lies in the top housing, with the Akashi using POM which produces a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. In contrast, the Swift utilizes nylon for its top housing, providing a similar deep and full sound profile like the bottom housing.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, they exhibit variances in their top housing materials. The Akashi's POM top housing offers a distinctive sound profile that is described as unique and pleasing with a deeper and more muted tone. On the other hand, the Swift's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, creating a rounder and duller tone due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. These differences in top housing materials impact the overall sound profile of the switches, providing users with distinct typing experiences.
The top and bottom housings of a switch play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the keystrokes. With the Akashi and the Swift, the materials used for the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, being made of nylon in both switches, influences the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The top housing material, whether POM or nylon, affects the sound when the key is released, showcasing unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Overall, the combination of different housing materials in each switch results in varying typing experiences for users to enjoy.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the HMX Swift linear switch's 42 grams, making the Akashi easier to trigger. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Akashi requires 43 grams, while the Swift needs 50 grams, indicating that the Swift provides a slightly heavier typing experience. Both switches fall on the lighter side, which is ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9mm. In this case, the Akashi has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Swift. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prioritize quick response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Akashi for faster key presses. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may find the longer travel distance of the Swift to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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, both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch are described as producing a clacky sound when pressed, with a sharp and snappy quality that is crisp, bright, and percussive. However, the Akashi offers a unique acoustic experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out due to its UPE stem and distinctive POM top and nylon bottom housing combination, resulting in a resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Swift stands out for its deeper sound profile attributed to its full nylon housings, and it also offers a silky smoothness that complements its delicate 42g actuation force.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akashi is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors indicate a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel, culminating in a refined and comfortable typing feel that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the contrary, the Swift is characterized as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. This suggests that the Swift offers a light and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, reducing strain on the fingers and providing a comfortable typing feel that is suitable for prolonged use.
Overall, both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While they both produce a clacky sound, the Akashi stands out for its bright bottom-out and resonant experience, whereas the Swift offers a deeper sound profile with a silky smoothness. Additionally, the Akashi provides a range of feel descriptors from creamy to snappy, emphasizing a smooth and responsive typing experience, while the Swift focuses on an easy-to-press feel with light actuation force and feather-like responsiveness. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a unique and resonant typing experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound, the Akashi switch with its UPE stem and hybrid housing may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a deeper sound profile and light actuation force, the Swift switch with its full nylon housing might be more aligned with your preferences. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which characteristics align best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience, so it is essential to choose based on what suits you best.
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