Bsun Akashi vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, both of which are linear switches. The Bsun Akashi is renowned for its innovative design featuring a UPE stem for smoothness and a unique housing combination of POM top and nylon bottom. This results in a distinct sound profile, with a bright, crisp bottom-out and deep acoustic richness. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is known for offering a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, delivering a poppy and clacky sound alongside impressive smoothness. While the Akashi is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Snappy', the V3 Cream Black Pro is labeled as 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', and 'Polished'. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
20mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offer different sound profiles and experiences due to their unique properties. The Akashi's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, creating a pleasant typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound with a higher pitch, ideal for those looking for a more resonant typing sound. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound, the difference in top housing material significantly impacts the overall sound quality of the switches.
The use of POM in the Akashi's top housing creates a unique sound profile that differs from the sharper, more resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro. The softer nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the importance of housing material in overall sound quality. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials, catering to different preferences for sound and feel. Whether you prefer the muted tones of POM or the crisp sound of polycarbonate, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience.
The split design of the top and bottom housing in these switches allows the qualities of each material to shine through in different aspects of typing. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities showcases the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience of a switch. Whether you prioritize a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offer a range of options to suit different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, we can see that the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is the heavier option. The Akashi has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Akashi may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the heavier force of the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Akashi. The shorter travel distance can lead to faster response times, making it ideal for gamers looking for quick reaction speeds. On the other hand, the Akashi offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that have become popular in the market, catering to different preferences among users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed or a more substantial key press feeling.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 Bsun Akashi linear switch offers a bright and crisp bottom-out sound due to its unique design with a UPE stem and a POM top and nylon bottom housing combination. This results in a resonant and vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch stands out for its poppy and clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy typing feedback. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Akashi leaning towards a bright and resonant tone, while the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a more distinctive poppy and clacky sound.
In terms of feel, both the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches are described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Akashi switch is further enhanced by its frictionless and polished feel, offering fluid key travel and reduced resistance. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is highlighted for its bouncy and snappy feel, providing a spring-like feedback and responsiveness. Overall, both switches offer a silky typing sensation that enhances the overall typing experience, with the Akashi focusing on a polished and frictionless feel, and the V3 Cream Black Pro emphasizing a bouncy and snappy feedback.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch both offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Akashi switch provides a bright and resonant sound with a polished and frictionless feel, while the V3 Cream Black Pro switch offers a poppy and clacky sound with a bouncy and snappy feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, both switches offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience with their distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams and enjoy a unique sound profile with a bright, crisp bottom-out, then the Akashi switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a poppy and clacky sound along with smoothness in typing, then the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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