Bsun Akashi vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Akashi and Gazzew U4T are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Akashi, a linear switch, boasts a UPE stem and a hybrid housing design, delivering a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T, a tactile switch, combines thockiness with sharp tactility, providing a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback. While the Akashi is known for its smoothness and unique sound contrast, the U4T excels in providing auditory and tactile satisfaction with each keystroke. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but diving deeper beyond generalities will help you decide on the best switch for your specific preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Gazzew U4T both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Akashi uses a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the U4T utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," to deliver a rich and deep sound profile. Despite their differences, both materials aim to enhance the overall sound experience of the switches.
In terms of bottom housings, the Bsun Akashi utilizes a nylon material that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gazzew U4T features a proprietary blend bottom housing that also aims to deliver a rich and deep sound profile with its softness. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through the unique qualities of their housing materials.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the switches, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are split between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when the key is released. Despite their differences in materials, both the Bsun Akashi and the Gazzew U4T strive to provide an enhanced typing experience through their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is clear that the Akashi is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the U4T has an unknown actuation force. Additionally, the Akashi has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is lighter compared to the U4T's 65-gram bottom out force. Therefore, the Akashi would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, while the U4T would appeal to individuals who enjoy a more substantial and heavier typing feel. In terms of actuation force, if the U4T's force is within a similar range to the Akashi's, users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, the Akashi has a travel distance of 3.7 mm while the U4T has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, with the Akashi being slightly shorter than the U4T. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Akashi's shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the U4T's slightly longer distance. Overall, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, offering a unique typing experience 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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 offers a clacky and bright sound profile due to its long pole stem and hybrid housing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch provides a bassy 'thock' sound that is deep and rich with a satisfying tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Akashi focusing on a crisp bottom-out and the U4T delivering a bass-heavy thock sound.
In terms of feel, the Akashi switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky typing experience. These descriptors indicate a smooth and effortless keypress with minimal resistance, resulting in a comfortable typing feel. Conversely, the Gazzew U4T switch is characterized by its sharp tactile bump, providing a strong and crisp feedback with each keypress. While the Akashi switch offers a glide-like sensation, the U4T switch delivers a more pronounced tactile response for those who prefer a prominent bump during typing.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a unique and resonant sound profile along with a smooth and buttery typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize a satisfying bottom-out and effortless typing. On the other hand, the U4T delivers a bassy thock sound and sharp tactile feedback, catering to users who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced tactile bump during typing. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality experiences tailored to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider your preference for key feel and sound. If you enjoy a light, smooth, and easy-to-press typing experience with a bright, clacky sound, the Akashi may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy key feel with a sharp tactile bump and a bassy thock sound, the U4T could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize smoothness or tactility in your keyboard switches.
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