Bsun Akashi vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Akashi is praised for its innovative design, featuring a UPE stem and a combination of POM top and nylon bottom housing that results in a distinct sound contrast and a resonant keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', 'frictionless', 'polished', 'silky', 'snappy', and 'easy-to-press', the Yellow Silver is categorized simply as 'neutral'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Akashi and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches both exhibit unique qualities in terms of their housing materials. The Akashi features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively muted sound profile. In contrast, the Yellow Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Yellow Silver switch allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences based on their top housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Akashi and the Yellow Silver switches employ a nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that both switches elicit a similar quality of sound when pressed. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to the overall typing experience by providing a softer and more absorbent surface for key presses, enhancing the tactile feedback for users.
When both top and bottom housing materials differ in a switch, the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom actions of the key press. The bottom housing has a larger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. In the case of the Akashi and Yellow Silver switches, the combination of POM/nylon and polycarbonate/nylon housing materials results in a nuanced typing experience with varying sound profiles for key presses and releases. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the sound and feel desired while typing.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, providing a gentle typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Akashi would be the ideal choice, while the Yellow Silver would appeal to users who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches provide smooth linear action, so regardless of the force differences, users can expect similar consistent keystrokes with either option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preference for typing feel and desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Akashi has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Akashi's shorter travel distance offers a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster feedback. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's longer travel distance provides a more substantial keypress feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Both switches offer varying benefits depending on personal preference, with the Akashi catering to those who prioritize speed and the Yellow Silver appealing to those who prefer a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preferences regarding travel distance and keypress 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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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, described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This distinctive sound comes from the combination of a UPE stem and a POM top with a nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users, including gamers and typists who prefer a speedy and responsive typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Akashi switch offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. This smooth and refined feel is achieved through the materials used and factory lubrication, resulting in effortless keystrokes. Unfortunately, the feel of the Yellow Silver switch is not specified in the provided information.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Akashi linear switch provides a distinct and resonant sound experience with its clacky sound profile and a smooth, polished feel, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile and unknown feel characteristics. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, both switches may offer a satisfying typing experience, but the Akashi switch stands out for its unique qualities. If you enjoy a clacky sound and a smooth, frictionless typing feel, the Bsun Akashi linear switch may be the ideal choice for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a unique, resonant typing experience with a bright and crisp sound, the Bsun Akashi switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a neutral sound profile, and a smooth, buttery typing experience suitable for gaming and typing, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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