Bsun Akashi vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Jade are both popular choices among enthusiasts. The Akashi stands out for its innovative UPE stem and unique housing combo, resulting in a tactile feedback that is both smooth and distinctive. On the other hand, the WS Jade utilizes a metallic insert in its stem base to create a bright and resonant sound profile, along with a light diffuser for a captivating RGB display. The Akashi is known for its clacky and polished feel, while the WS Jade offers a marbly and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the Akashi provides a resonant keystroke experience, while the WS Jade offers a smooth and creamy feel. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you determine the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Jade both feature POM top housings, which are known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. This similarity means that users can expect a consistent sound experience when typing on either of these switches. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Akashi utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the WS Jade has a POM bottom housing, providing a similar sound profile to its top housing, creating a cohesive auditory experience.
In terms of typing experience, the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Jade play a significant role in the overall feel of the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Akashi contributes to a softer and more cushioned bottom-out sound and feel, which can make typing on the switch more comfortable for prolonged use. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the WS Jade maintains the unique sound profile established by its top housing, offering a consistent typing experience that is deep and muted. While both switches offer a pleasant sound, the choice between nylon and POM bottom housings may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound of the switch, it becomes clear that each component plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, whether nylon or POM, influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. This split in qualities between the top and bottom housings allows for a harmonious blend of both materials, resulting in a cohesive sound profile that is unique to each switch. Ultimately, whether you prefer the nylon bottom housing of the Akashi or the POM bottom housing of the WS Jade, both switches offer a nuanced typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch is lighter than the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Akashi requires 37 grams of force to actuate and 43 grams to bottom out, while the WS Jade needs 50 grams to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, making it the heavier of the two. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Akashi, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the WS Jade provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier force requirements. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on the actuation and bottom out force, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the WS Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Akashi. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for fast response times. The difference of 0.1 mm in travel distance may not be significant for most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper feel may lean towards the Akashi. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30 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, both the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches are described as having a clacky sound profile, which implies sharp and crisp keystrokes. However, the WS Jade switches also incorporate marbly and resonant sound qualities, adding a high-pitched and clean sound experience to the mix. The Akashi switches offer a unique bright and crisp bottom-out sound due to their stem design and housing combination, while the WS Jade switches feature a metallic insert for a bright metallic sound with a rock-solid bottom-out. If you prefer a more diverse sound experience, the WS Jade switches might be the way to go.
In terms of feel, both the Akashi and WS Jade switches are described as silky and creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Akashi switches also offer characteristics like creamy, frictionless, polished, and snappy typing sensations, making each keystroke feel effortless and responsive. On the other hand, the WS Jade switches focus more on the silky and creamy feel, emphasizing smoothness and ease of typing. If you prioritize a silky and buttery typing experience, both switches seem to deliver similar results.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switches present a unique sound profile with a bright and crisp bottom-out, coupled with a smoother, creamier typing experience enriched by various tactile sensations. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switches offer a more diverse sound profile with a mix of clacky, marbly, and resonant qualities, creating a distinct auditory experience. The typing feel of both switches is described as silky and creamy, emphasizing smoothness and ease of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound characteristics and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, consider the following factors: if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique sound profile with a bright, crisp bottom-out, the Akashi may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force, a metallic insert for a resonant sound, and a creamy and smooth typing experience, the WS Jade could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom-out force. With this information in mind, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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