Bsun Akashi vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Akashi and Jerrzi Violet offer distinct experiences for users. The Akashi, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smoothness and unique sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and hybrid housing design. On the other hand, the Violet, a tactile switch, is praised for its gentle tactile feedback and balanced typing experience. While the Akashi is known for its clacky and snappy feel, the Violet is described as stepped and neutral. If you're looking for a switch that offers a bright bottom-out and resonant experience, the Akashi may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother actuation and pleasing tactility, the Violet could be the better choice. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Jerrzi Violet switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different materials. The Akashi's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Violet's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Violet switch results in a higher-pitched sound and a more resonant profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and rounder sound, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics.
Despite the contrasting qualities of their top and bottom housings, both the Bsun Akashi and Jerrzi Violet switches share similarities in sound production. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality results in a similar typing experience on both switches, with a focus on creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the choice of POM for the Akashi's top housing and polycarbonate for the Violet's top housing creates distinct differences in sound quality and overall typing feel.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials for the Bsun Akashi and the Jerrzi Violet switches plays a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound, the use of POM for the Akashi and polycarbonate for the Violet's top housing leads to differing sound characteristics. The Akashi offers a more muted and deeper sound, while the Violet provides a sharper and crisper sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Overall, the housing materials significantly impact the typing experience and sound quality of each switch, showcasing the importance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Akashi requires 43 grams of force to bottom out, while the Violet's bottom out force is unknown. The Akashi offers a lighter typing experience, which may be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Violet switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, you'll get similar results in terms of the travel distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, providing a quick and responsive typing experience. This makes them suitable for those who prefer a more tactile and precise typing feel. Overall, while the Bsun Akashi and Jerrzi Violet switches have the same travel distance, they are designed to cater to different preferences in terms of switch type (linear vs tactile) and actuation force.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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, the Akashi linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and percussive sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for various environments and typing preferences. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Akashi offering a more lively and crisp sound, while the Violet switch provides a balanced and moderate sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Akashi linear switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience, offering smooth and effortless key presses with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is described as stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feedback that is gentle and smooth. While the Akashi switch focuses on providing a range of tactile sensations, the Violet switch stands out for its mild and consistent tactile experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi switch excels in providing a distinctive clacky sound profile and a variety of tactile sensations, while the Violet switch offers a neutral sound signature and a gentle stepped tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different typing experiences, ensuring that users can find a switch that best suits their needs and preferences for mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Akashi linear switch or the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom out force, a clacky sound profile, and a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, or easy-to-press feel, then the Akashi linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with no specified bottom out force, a neutral sound profile, and a stepped tactile feel, then the Violet tactile switch might better suit your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, so it's important to consider what matters most to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
