Bsun Akashi vs. HMX Cheese
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Cheese switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Cheese mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akashi stands out for its UPE stem and hybrid housing design, providing a smooth and resonant typing experience with a bright bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Cheese switch offers unmatched smoothness and a light touch, accompanied by a distinct clacky and crispy sound signature. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', the Cheese switch is best known for being ultra-light and easy to press. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Ly
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-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Cheese, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is desirable for many keyboard enthusiasts. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound production, creating a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively muted.
While both switches share the same housing material for their top and bottom housings, it is important to note that the Bsun Akashi uses POM for its top housing, providing a slightly different sound profile compared to the HMX Cheese's nylon top housing. POM housings are known for creating a unique sound that is also deep and pleasing, but with a slightly different tonality. The HMX Cheese, on the other hand, maintains a consistent sound profile throughout its top and bottom housings due to the use of nylon for both components. Despite this difference, both switches offer a similar level of sound absorption and roundness in their sound production.
In terms of overall typing experience, the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the HMX Cheese play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite slight variations in the housing materials, both switches ultimately deliver a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, whether you choose the Bsun Akashi or the HMX Cheese, you can expect a similar level of sound quality and depth in your typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the HMX Cheese linear switch which has an actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Akashi is also lighter at 43 grams, while the Cheese requires 46 grams to bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter touch and less strain on their fingers during extended typing or gaming sessions, the Akashi may be the preferred option. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Cheese switch with slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces could be more suitable. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the Cheese switch may provide a slightly more tactile feedback due to its slightly heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Akashi has a slightly longer distance compared to the Cheese switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - the Akashi's longer travel distance may provide a more robust feel to some users, while others may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Cheese switch for a quicker keystroke response. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for travel distance in a keyboard switch.
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 Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $4.29.
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 bright bottom-out sound, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers a unique clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, creating a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that will enhance the overall typing experience, although the exact preference may vary depending on personal taste and the accompanying keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Akashi switch is noted for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The switch offers smooth and buttery key presses, minimal resistance, refined finish, exceptionally smooth key travel, and super responsiveness. In comparison, the HMX Cheese switch does not have specific descriptions available, but is known for providing an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, suggesting a comfortable and effortless feel while typing. Both switches are likely to offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Akashi showcasing a wider range of tactile qualities compared to the Cheese.
In conclusion, both the BSUN Akashi and HMX Cheese linear switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences with their distinctive sound profiles and smooth key presses. The Akashi switch provides a resonant sound with a variety of tactile qualities, while the Cheese switch stands out for its smoothness and light actuation force. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style, but both switches are likely to deliver satisfying results for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Akashi linear switch or the HMX Cheese linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in typing experience. If you are looking for a unique sound contrast and resonant feedback with each keystroke, the Akashi with its UPE stem and hybrid housing may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an unparalleled smoothness and ultra-light switches that make typing a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy experience, the Cheese switches might be more to your liking. Both switches offer light bottom out forces and distinctive qualities in sound and feel, so it ultimately depends on what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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