Bsun Akashi vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the Jwick Taro present interesting options to consider. The Akashi, a linear switch, stands out for its unique design featuring a UPE stem and a hybrid housing combo of POM top and nylon bottom, resulting in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. Described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Snappy', these switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro, a tactile switch, boasts a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and acute clacking sound. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped', the Taro switches provide a different tactile sensation compared to the Akashi. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Jwick Taro both feature unique housing materials in their construction, with the Akashi utilizing POM for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, while the Taro utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The POM top housing of the Akashi creates a deeper and muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Taro produces a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jwick Taro offers the advantage of translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. This feature allows for a visually stunning keyboard setup with vibrant lighting effects. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Bsun Akashi may not offer the same level of visual appeal but makes up for it with its unique sound profile that is more on the deeper and muted side. Both switches showcase the versatility of different housing materials in catering to both sound and aesthetic preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
When considering the overall typing experience, the housing materials of both switches play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each keystroke. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be nylon in the case of both switches, have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material, whether it be POM in the Akashi or polycarbonate in the Taro, influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Akashi and Taro, both switches offer a distinct typing experience that caters to a variety of preferences in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Taro has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the Akashi has a bottom out force of 43 grams. Both switches offer different typing experiences - the Akashi being lighter and more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Taro provides a stronger push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This results in a consistent typing experience whether you are using the Akashi or the Taro switch. While other factors such as the actuation force and tactile feedback may differ between the two switches, their travel distance remains equal, offering a similar typing feel for users.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 and crisp bottom-out sound, providing a bright and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile with acute and crisp clacks, suitable for various typing environments. The choice of board and keycaps will also influence the overall sound produced by these switches.
Moving on to the feel, the Akashi switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. This indicates a smooth and responsive feel with minimal resistance, making each keystroke effortless and comfortable. In contrast, the Taro tactile switch provides a buttery and stepped typing sensation, offering a uniform and mild tactile feedback that can be felt in stages during the keystroke process.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and Jwick Taro tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi provides a bright and resonant typing experience with its clacky sound and smooth, responsive feel, the Taro offers a cozy and comfortable typing experience with its neutral sound profile and buttery, stepped feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, both switches can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience, with the Akashi giving a more crisp and resonant feedback, while the Taro offers a more subdued and cozy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Jwick Taro tactile switch, you should consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you prefer a creamy, frictionless, or polished typing experience with switches that are easy-to-press and offer a snappy response, then the Akashi linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a buttery typing feel with a stepped tactile feedback and neutral sound profile, then the Taro tactile switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the overall experience you want to have while using your mechanical keyboard.
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