Bsun Akashi vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear mechanical keyboard switches, both options offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Bsun Akashi stands out for its UPE stem, POM top, and nylon bottom combination, providing users with a distinct sound profile that is both bright and rich. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches are praised for their noise-reducing design without the need for silicone dampeners, resulting in a quiet and precise typing experience. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', the WS Silent Linear switches are characterized as 'neutral', 'mild', and 'muted'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, 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
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear utilize nylon material for their bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. However, the Akashi stands out with its POM top housing, which creates a more muted and pleasing sound on the deeper side. This contrast in top housing material gives the Akashi a unique sound profile compared to the WS Silent Linear.
In terms of sound production and absorption, the nylon material used in both the top and bottom housings of the WS Silent Linear contributes to a similar sound profile on both the press and release of a key. The Bsun Akashi, on the other hand, divides the qualities of its housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch. This means that the impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be more affected by the top housing material.
Overall, while both the Bsun Akashi and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear use nylon for their bottom housing, the Akashi offers a unique sound experience with its POM top housing compared to the WS Silent Linear. The absorption and sound profile created by the materials in each switch play a significant role in the overall typing experience, with the Akashi providing a more muted and pleasing sound on the deeper side while the WS Silent Linear offers a fuller and rounder sound.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, which does not provide a specific actuation force. When it comes to bottom out force, the Akashi requires 43 grams of force, while the WS Silent Linear switch requires a heavier 63.5 grams. This means that the Akashi switch provides a lighter typing experience overall. The difference in weight between the two switches can impact typing preferences, with lighter switches being favored for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing feel. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akashi switch, while those looking for a heavier typing experience may opt for the WS Silent Linear switch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Silent Linear switch slightly shorter in terms of travel distance compared to the Akashi switch. The difference between the two may not be significant, but for those who prefer a slightly shallower travel distance, the WS Silent Linear switch would be the better choice. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance - whether you prefer a slightly shorter or slightly longer feel when pressing down on the keys.
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 Silent Linear 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky and percussive sound profile, providing a bright and crisp bottom-out sensation. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch offers a neutral and muted sound, creating a quieter typing experience without the usual cushioned sensation from silicone dampeners. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, with the Akashi being more sharp and snappy, while the WS Silent Linear is more subtle and subdued in its acoustic output.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Akashi linear switch is described as creamy and frictionless, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switch is characterized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing feel, with the Akashi focusing on a silky and polished sensation, and the WS Silent Linear offering a more approachable and easy-to-press touch.
Overall, the Bsun Akashi linear switch stands out for its unique tactile feedback and sound contrast, making each keystroke resonant and distinct. Meanwhile, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch excels in reducing typing noise while maintaining responsiveness and precision, providing a tranquil and seamless typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage needs. If you are looking for a unique and resonant typing experience with a light bottom out force and a clacky sound profile, the Akashi switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral, muted, and subdued sound profile, the WS Silent Linear switch might be more suitable for you. Consider the feel you prefer as well, whether it be creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, or easy-to-press for the Akashi, or a mild typing experience for the WS Silent Linear. Ultimately, make your decision based on what aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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