Bsun Akashi vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Akashi, a linear switch, and the Gazzew U4Tx, a tactile switch, stand out for their unique features. The Akashi offers a smooth and resonant experience with its UPE stem and POM top, nylon bottom housing combo, resulting in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. In contrast, the U4Tx combines the satisfying tactile bump of the U4T with the quiet topping out of the U4, creating a cleaner and refined sound profile. The Akashi is best suited for those who prefer a clacky, creamy, and easy-to-press feel, while the U4Tx is ideal for users who enjoy a bassy, muted, and sharp typing experience. 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Gazzew U4Tx both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Akashi utilizes a POM top housing, known for creating a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side, while the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known for delivering a rich and deep sound profile. Both materials offer a softer plastic composition, leading to a more muted and rounder sound overall.
In terms of bottom housing, the Akashi implements a nylon material that is considered a classic switch housing material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the U4Tx utilizes its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also provides a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. Both bottom housing materials absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller yet smoother sound experience.
While the housing materials differ between the two switches, the impact of each material on the overall sound profile is split between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Despite these differences, both the Bsun Akashi and Gazzew U4Tx offer similar results in terms of creating a unique and pleasing sound profile, making them both appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific sound experience.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Akashi requires 43 grams, while the U4Tx requires 62.5 grams, making the U4Tx heavier in this aspect. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Akashi for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the U4Tx for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is slightly longer than the travel distance of 3.6 mm for the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Akashi offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial keypress feel compared to the U4Tx. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly shorter and potentially quicker keypress with the U4Tx or a slightly longer and more pronounced keypress with the Akashi.
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 U4Tx 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 unique and resonant experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem and hybrid housing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch provides a deep and rich "thock" sound when bottoming out, combined with a whisper-quiet topping out sound, resulting in a luxurious typing experience. The Akashi switch leans towards a clacky sound profile, while the U4Tx switch offers a bassy and muted sound, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Akashi switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless feel with reduced friction. Conversely, the U4Tx switch is characterized by its sharp tactile bump, offering high feedback intensity for a distinctive typing experience. The Akashi switch offers a silky and snappy feel, while the U4Tx switch provides a sharp tactile sensation, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile bump during typing.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences in keyboard switches. While the Akashi switch provides a clacky sound profile and a smooth, creamy feel, the U4Tx switch offers a bassy, muted sound and a sharp tactile bump. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, and the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch, tailored to their personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light actuation force and a smooth, resonant typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Akashi may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium actuation force, a sharp tactile bump, and a cleaner, refined sound profile with a bassy and muted tone, the U4Tx could be the ideal switch for your keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you value most before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Akashi and the U4Tx boils down to your individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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