Bsun Akashi vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both offer unique features and qualities that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Akashi is characterized by its UPE stem for smoothness, POM top, and nylon bottom housing, resulting in a distinctive sound profile and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion boasts a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, delivering a buttery smooth keystroke feel and a neutral sound profile. While the Akashi is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', the WS Onion is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making it important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. 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
63.5g
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
Partial box
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
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Onion both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the WS Onion's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials have their own advantages - POM provides a pleasing and unique sound, while polycarbonate offers a more clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the Akashi's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound and creates a duller sound, the WS Onion's nylon bottom housing also elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile.
The contrasting characteristics of the top and bottom housings in the Bsun Akashi and Wuque Studio WS Onion switches give each switch a unique sound and feel. The split qualities of the housing materials mean that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when you release a key. For example, the POM top housing of the Akashi might provide a different sound experience compared to the nylon bottom housing, creating a well-rounded typing experience. Similarly, the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Onion could offer a more distinct sound profile compared to the nylon bottom housing.
Despite their differences, the Bsun Akashi and Wuque Studio WS Onion switches both benefit from the use of classic switch housing materials like POM and nylon. While the Akashi's POM top housing and nylon bottom housing provide a unique sound profile that is on the deeper and fuller side, the WS Onion's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a sharper and crisper sound. Overall, the choice of housing materials in these switches plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience, whether it be through sound, feel, or aesthetics. Ultimately, the similarities and differences in housing materials between these switches highlight the importance of material selection in creating a satisfying mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is clear that they have distinct differences. The Akashi has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes swiftly. In contrast, the WS Onion does not specify its actuation force, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. This means that the Akashi would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the WS Onion would appeal to users who enjoy a stronger push feel. In this case, selecting either switch will result in different typing experiences based on the preference for a lighter or heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular among users who prioritize quick response times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer switches with shorter travel distances for faster gameplay. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial, deeper feel when typing or gaming may find the slightly longer travel distance of the WS Onion switch more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. The Akashi provides a unique acoustic experience with its combination of UPE stem and POM top with nylon bottom, while the WS Onion delivers a more subdued sound with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a more resonant or neutral typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akashi is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience that reduces friction and enhances typing comfort. On the other hand, the WS Onion is praised for its buttery and polished feel, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation that is deeply satisfying. Both switches prioritize smoothness in their keystroke feel, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a silky glide or a buttery smooth feel, both the Akashi and the WS Onion switches deliver on providing a satisfying tactile experience.
In conclusion, the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch each offer their own unique combination of sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Akashi is known for its clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel, the WS Onion stands out for its neutral sound profile and buttery, polished keystroke feel. Whether you prioritize a resonant typing experience or a smooth, uniform feel, both switches provide high-quality performance that will enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a solid choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and enjoy a unique, resonant typing experience with a bright and crisp sound profile, the Akashi switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and prioritize a buttery smooth keystroke feel with a neutral sound profile, the WS Onion switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, sound preferences, and overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.