Bsun Akashi vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the BSUN Akashi linear switch to the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, there are distinct differences worth noting. The Akashi is praised for its unique design featuring a UPE stem and hybrid housing, resulting in a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with a resonant experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is favored for its budget-friendly option with a poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. While the Akashi is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', the V3 Cream Blue Pro is labeled as 'accented', 'bouncy', and 'polished'. Both switches offer different qualities that cater to individual preferences, providing a range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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
2.20 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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, one key difference lies in their top housings. The Akashi utilizes POM for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro employs polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate also allows for better translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, users looking for a more subdued typing experience may prefer the POM top housing of the Akashi, while those seeking a more vibrant and clear sound may lean towards the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro.
On the other hand, both the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro feature nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch. The choice between these two switches may then come down to personal preference in terms of the typing feel and the overall sound profile that the user is looking to achieve.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch can impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when letting go of a key. Therefore, users considering the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro should take into account how the combination of POM or polycarbonate top housing with nylon bottom housing will affect the overall sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile, typing feel, and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Akashi is lighter in both aspects. The Akashi has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Akashi a better option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which may be preferred by those who want a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force and key feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time of the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Bsun Akashi with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 offers a unique and resonant experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem and hybrid housing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch provides a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is harmoniously paired with a smooth typing sensation. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, with the Akashi emphasizing a bright and crisp sound, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro focuses on a lively and audible feedback.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Akashi switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and maximum comfort. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is characterized as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming nor subtle, giving a spring-like rebound feel when pressed. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Akashi emphasizing smoothness and ease of typing, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro highlights a more lively and bouncy feedback.
Overall, the BSUN Akashi linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Akashi provides a bright and resonant sound along with a smooth and frictionless typing feel, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a poppy and clacky sound paired with a bouncy and accented tactile sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired outcome.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, consider the factors that are most important to you in a keyboard switch. If you prioritize a unique sound experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out and resonant keystrokes, then the Akashi may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a budget-friendly option that delivers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile along with a creamy, tactile sensation, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. So, take into account what matters most to you when selecting between these two switches.
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