Sarokeys BCP vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both switches offer unique features and benefits that cater to different preferences. The Sarokeys BCP is well-known for its creamy tactile feel and signature poppy, clacky sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy bouncy switches with a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out for its budget-friendly price point, easy-to-press keys, and feathery, polished feel, appealing to users who prefer a smooth and snappy typing experience. 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
51g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon bottom housing. As such, both keyboards will likely have a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, as the nylon bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound profile.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the two keyboards differ significantly. The BCP features a nylon top housing, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the keyboard. Therefore, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is likely to produce a more clear and resonant sound compared to the BCP, due to the differences in their respective top housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in keyboards can significantly impact the overall typing experience. While the BCP and V3 Cream Yellow Pro share a nylon bottom housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, their top housing materials create distinct sound profiles. The nylon top housing in the BCP leads to a duller and rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro produces a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on personal preferences for sound and aesthetics, users may prefer one keyboard over the other based on the housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch to the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, we see that the BCP has a slightly lighter actuation force of 51 grams compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's 50 grams. However, the BCP has a lighter bottom out force of 57 grams, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the BCP provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium-light to medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a good balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the small difference in travel distance between the two switches may be imperceptible to some users. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the BCP, while others who enjoy a slightly deeper press may opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to those looking for a quicker key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys BCP has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.85.
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is known for its signature clacky sound profile, offering a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch also provides a poppy, clacky sound right out of the box, giving a vibrant auditory experience. Both switches deliver satisfying sound characteristics, albeit with slight variations in tone and intensity depending on factors like keycaps and keyboard construction.
In terms of feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is described as providing a bouncy and creamy typing experience, offering a lively and elastic feedback sensation for each key press. On the contrary, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery feel, requiring minimal force to activate keys and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the BCP focuses on a bouncy and creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro emphasizes a light and effortless typing experience, catering to different preferences in key feel.
Considering the available information, both the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the BCP leans towards a clacky and creamy typing experience with a bouncy sensation, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy and clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press and feathery feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can cater to a newcomer's needs in the mechanical keyboard realm. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches on various boards and keycaps will reveal the nuances in sound and feel, allowing users to find their ideal combination for an optimized typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are seeking a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams and enjoy a creamy, bouncy typing experience with a poppy and clacky sound profile, the BCP is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force of 60 grams and value an easy-to-press, feathery feel with a combination of a poppy, clacky sound and a polished finish for smooth key travel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better option. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferences for typing sensation, sound profile, and actuation force to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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