Bsun Akashi vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akashi is renowned for its UPE stem for smoothness and a distinctive housing combo that yields a bright and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel provided by its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Akashi is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Snappy', the Tourmaline Blue is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Easy-to-press'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for various typing styles and 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
59g
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
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Akashi's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Tourmaline Blue's clear polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the switch. On the other hand, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound.
Despite their differences, both the Bsun Akashi and Everglide Tourmaline Blue utilize housing materials that play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The contrast between the POM top housing of the Akashi and the polycarbonate top housing of the Tourmaline Blue highlights how different materials can produce distinct sound profiles. Similarly, the disparity between the nylon bottom housing of the Akashi and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue showcases how the stiffness or softness of the material can impact the sound and feel of typing on the switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and Everglide Tourmaline Blue each bring their own unique qualities to the switches. While the Akashi tends to offer a deeper and fuller sound with its POM top and nylon bottom housing, the Tourmaline Blue provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches showcase how different housing materials can influence the typing experience, whether it be through sound, feel, or aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, the difference in actuation force and bottom out force is quite noticeable. The Akashi is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue is heavier with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Akashi provides a lighter typing experience compared to the Tourmaline Blue, which offers a more substantial push feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Akashi, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may opt for the Tourmaline Blue. In either case, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces result in distinct typing experiences for users.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Akashi offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Overall, both switches offer slightly different travel distances that cater to different preferences, but both can provide a satisfying typing or gaming experience depending on the individual's preference.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer unique acoustic experiences, with the Akashi delivering a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky typing experience. Depending on your preference and setup, either switch can enhance your typing experience with its distinct sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and refined feel with minimal resistance, making typing effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, offering a gentle and uniform typing sensation that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide a pleasant and satisfying typing feel, with the Akashi emphasizing smoothness and responsiveness, while the Tourmaline Blue focuses on a gentle and comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi excels in providing a clacky and creamy typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue emphasizes a neutral and buttery feel. Depending on your personal preference and typing style, you can achieve similar satisfying results with either switch, as they both offer a high-quality typing experience with their distinctive characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Akashi linear switch or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a switch with a light bottom out force and a unique, resonant sound profile, the BSUN Akashi may be the right choice for you. The creamy, frictionless, and polished feel of the Akashi switches offers a smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue may be more suitable for you. The buttery, easy-to-press, and mild feel of the Tourmaline Blue switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing sound and feel.
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