Bsun Akashi vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the BSUN Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Red mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akashi stands out for its smooth UPE stem and distinctive POM top, nylon bottom housing combination, creating a novel tactile feedback and resonant sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Red features a 22mm double-stage spring for a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a heavier actuation force for a satisfying and substantial feel. While the Akashi is praised for its clacky and polished qualities, the WS Red offers a creamy and frictionless 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Red both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This commonality in material results in a similar typing experience for both switches, with a rounder and duller sound profile. However, the Akashi's POM top housing provides a unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to the WS Red's nylon top housing. This distinction in top housing material may impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switches.
One key difference between the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Red lies in their top housing material. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a sound profile that is pleasing and unique, with a deeper tone compared to the WS Red's nylon top housing. The nylon top housing of the WS Red provides a fuller sound profile and absorbs more sound, resulting in a different typing experience when compared to the Akashi. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the choice of top housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of functionality, the bottom housing material of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released. This means that the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Red will be felt in both the actuation and release of keys. The Akashi's POM top housing and the WS Red's nylon top housing will contribute to unique sound profiles that may cater to different preferences in typing experience. Despite their commonality in using nylon for the bottom housing, these switches offer distinct characteristics based on their choice of top housing material.
Weight
In comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, we can see a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akashi switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it a lighter option, while the WS Red switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls on the medium-heavy side. The Akashi requires a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the WS Red's actuation force is unknown. Those looking for a lighter touch may find the Akashi more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the WS Red offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Akashi has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the WS Red. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the WS Red with a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and 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 Red comes in at $3.50 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality when pressed. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch's sound profile is not specified. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akashi switch is described with various descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors indicate a smooth, buttery, and frictionless typing experience with reduced resistance, promoting effortless key presses and enhancing the overall typing feel. The Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, on the other hand, does not have a specified feel description provided. Nevertheless, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is known for its bouncy and responsive typing feel, thanks to the 22mm double-stage spring that adds a touch of weight to each keystroke, delivering a satisfying and substantial typing experience.
In summary, the Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a unique sound experience with its bright and resonant bottom-out, while providing a smooth and fluid typing feel with various descriptors like creamy and silky to enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch delivers a bouncy and responsive typing feel with a classic sound signature, along with a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, but both will provide a satisfying typing experience based on their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique tactile feedback experience with a resonant sound, the Akashi switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel, along with a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a classic sound signature, the WS Red switch may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
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