Bsun Akashi vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch stands out for its unique design featuring a UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom housing. This combination results in a crisp bottom-out sound with a deep acoustic richness, providing a novel and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch is recognized for its smoothness and perceptible tactile bump, coupled with a neutral sound signature. While the Akashi switch is clacky, creamy, and polished, the WS Light Tactile switch is stepped and easy-to-press. Both switches offer their own strengths, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics and typing feel will help you determine which one is the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer distinct differences in sound profiles and characteristics. The Akashi's POM top housing provides a deeper and relatively muted sound, creating a unique typing experience. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. While the Akashi's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, the WS Light Tactile also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering a similar deep and full sound experience.
However, despite the differences in housing materials, both the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. This similarity results in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound between the two switches. Additionally, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating the desired sound profile and tactile feedback for keyboard enthusiasts.
It's worth noting that the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. The split design of having different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch allows for a nuanced typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, understanding the qualities each housing material brings to a switch is crucial in selecting the right switch for a personalized typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light forces in comparison to other switches on the market. The Akashi has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the WS Light Tactile's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Akashi requires 43 grams while the WS Light Tactile needs 50 grams. Both switches fall on the lighter end of the force spectrum, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. Those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may not find these switches to be as satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the travel distance of the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is 4 mm. In this case, the Akashi has a shorter travel distance compared to the WS Light Tactile. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing experience, especially for those who prefer faster response times. Gamers, for example, may lean towards switches with shorter travel distances for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press might find the longer travel distance of the WS Light Tactile to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
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 Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 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
The Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its unique sound profile, offering a clacky and resonant experience with each keystroke. The UPE stem combined with the POM top and nylon bottom housing creates a bright, crisp bottom-out sound that is both sharp and percussive. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is designed to have a neutral sound signature. This means it has a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you are using the switches at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akashi is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors suggest a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction, enhanced responsiveness, and minimal resistance during key presses. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switches are categorized as stepped and easy-to-press. The stepped feel of these switches provides a two-stage tactile feedback, offering a mild bump that includes pre-travel and/or post-travel, while still maintaining a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate the switches. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by providing smooth and responsive feedback to the user.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a clacky and resonant sound with a creamy and snappy typing feel, while the WS Light Tactile delivers a neutral sound signature with a stepped and easy-to-press tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, typing style, and the desired typing experience. While they offer different characteristics, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for their users.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a smooth and resonant typing experience with a light bottom out force, the Bsun Akashi linear switch would be a great choice for you. The unique design of the Akashi switch, with its UPE stem and POM top and nylon bottom housing, provides a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke, accompanied by a bright and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a light bottom out force and a neutral sound signature, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch would be more suitable for you. These switches offer a snappy tactile bump while maintaining smoothness, making them ideal for a variety of typing environments. Ultimately, your choice between the Akashi linear switch and the WS Light Tactile tactile switch will depend on your preferences for typing feel and sound, so consider these factors carefully before making your decision.
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