Bsun Akashi vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular linear options to compare and contrast are the BSUN Akashi and the HMX Xinhai. The Akashi is renowned for its innovative design, featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a unique POM top and nylon bottom housing combo that delivers a distinctive sound experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out for its PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, offering a blend of sophistication and performance. While the Akashi is known for its clacky, creamy, and polished feel, the Xinhai is described as bouncy, clacky, and creamy. Deciding between these switches can be a difficult choice, so let's delve deeper into their specific characteristics to help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Xinhai differ in terms of the top housing. The Akashi features a POM top housing, which provides a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Xinhai utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in housings contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, especially for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Akashi lends itself to a more pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side.
Both the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Xinhai utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings creates a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings. Despite their differences in top housing material, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound profile generated from their nylon bottom housings.
Overall, the choice of housing materials between the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Xinhai impacts the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Akashi offers a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing, the Xinhai provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches share the deep and full sound characteristics derived from their nylon bottom housings, which absorb more sound to create a rounder typing experience. Whether opting for a switch with a POM or polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a unique sound profile that is influenced by the combination of housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 37 grams. However, the Akashi has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, while the Xinhai has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 45 grams. The Akashi provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those looking for a more effortless typing feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai offers a slightly stronger push feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience is preferred.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Xinhai the shorter option between the two. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, some may find the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai to feel too abrupt compared to the slightly longer travel distance of the Akashi. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness and key press feel.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 HMX Xinhai switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This results in a crisp, bright, and percussive sound with each keystroke. However, 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.
In terms of feel, the Akashi is praised for its "creamy," "frictionless," "polished," "silky," "snappy," and "easy-to-press" properties. These descriptors indicate a smooth, effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and a responsive feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai is known for its "bouncy" and "creamy" qualities, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a buttery typing experience similar to the Akashi. Both switches deliver a satisfying tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the sound characteristics of the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Xinhai switches are similar, there are slight differences in their tactile feel. The Akashi offers a range of smooth and responsive qualities, while the Xinhai focuses more on a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing feel that best suits each individual's needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the following: If you prefer a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound with a unique acoustic richness, the Akashi with its UPE stem and hybrid housing design would be a great option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance with a softer acoustics profile, the Xinhai with its PA12 top housing and POM stem may be more appealing to you. Additionally, if you enjoy a smooth and effortless typing experience with creamy or frictionless feel, the Akashi offers options such as creamy, polished, and silky descriptors. However, if you prefer a bouncy feel with a lively sensation, the Xinhai provides a bouncy switch option. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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