Bsun Akashi vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are two linear mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akashi, known for its smooth UPE stem and unique POM top and nylon bottom housing, offers a bright, crisp bottom-out sound combined with deep acoustic richness for a resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro features a snappy sound signature with a long pole design that adds a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke while maintaining smoothness in actuation. If you're looking for a keyboard switch that provides a clacky and polished typing experience, the Bsun Akashi may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a bouncy and resonant feel with a creamy and silky touch, the Akko V3 Piano Pro might be more suitable for your typing needs. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon as a material for their bottom housings, focusing on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile through the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. This choice results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a quieter switch. However, while both switches share this attribute, the specific design and construction of each housing may result in slightly different sound profiles and tactile feedback.
In contrast, the Bsun Akashi features a POM top housing, which creates a more unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. This material choice may appeal to users who enjoy a more distinct typing experience with a subtle sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro opts for a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound but in a softer and more absorbing way than POM. The differences in top housing materials may result in variations in sound and feel when pressing down or letting go of keys.
Overall, while both the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon in their bottom housings for a similar sound profile, they diverge in their choice of top housing material. This subtle variation can impact the overall typing experience, with the POM housing of the Akashi offering a more unique sound profile compared to the rounder and duller sound produced by the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Akashi linear switch to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akashi has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. The Akko V3 Piano Pro is therefore the heavier option between the two switches. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the slight variance in actuation and bottom out forces make them suitable for different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the 3.7 mm travel distance of the Bsun Akashi. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two may not be significant for most users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Bsun Akashi may provide a slightly more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of 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 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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, both the Bsun Akashi and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This characteristic adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke, enhancing the auditory experience for the user. While the Akashi offers a bright and resonant sound profile due to its unique stem and housing combination, the V3 Piano Pro maintains a snappy sound signature with a smooth actuation, ensuring a pleasing tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound, with a focus on producing a crisp and percussive sound during typing.
In terms of feel, the Akashi is described as offering a "creamy," "frictionless," and "polished" typing experience, where the keys feel smooth, polished, and effortless to press. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is noted for its "bouncy," "creamy," and "silky" feel, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with a spring-like feedback when typing. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable and responsive typing experience, with a focus on reducing friction and enhancing overall smoothness during use. While the specific feel may vary slightly between the two switches, users can expect a similar level of comfort and ease of typing with either option.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Akashi provides a bright and resonant sound with a creamy and polished feel, the V3 Piano Pro delivers a snappy sound signature and a bouncy and silky typing experience. Both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience by offering smooth key travel and a pleasing tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Akashi linear switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams and a unique sound contrast with a bright, crisp bottom-out, then the Akashi may be the switch for you. The Akashi also offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky feel for a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams and a snappy sound signature, then the V3 Piano Pro could be the better choice. The V3 Piano Pro also provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel for a lively and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific qualities that align with your preferences for typing feel and sound.
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