Sarokeys BCP vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro stand out as excellent choices, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Sarokeys BCP, a linear switch, is renowned for its creamy and bouncy feel, providing a smooth typing experience with a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, offers a satisfying tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a delightful typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, one major difference lies in their top housing materials. The BCP uses nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the BCP offering a more rounded sound and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro providing a clearer and more resonant sound.
However, when it comes to their bottom housing materials, both the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilize nylon housings. This classic switch housing material enhances the typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. With both switches utilizing this common material for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent level of sound quality and feel when pressing down on the keys. This shared element in their construction demonstrates a similarity in the typing experience between the two switches, despite their differences in other housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a mechanical keyboard switch can significantly impact the sound profile and overall typing experience for users. While the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro differ in their top housing materials, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing creates a commonality in the type of sound produced when typing on the switches. Whether users prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile with the BCP's nylon housing or a sharper, crisper sound with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate housing, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the BCP has a slightly heavier actuation force of 51 grams compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's 45 grams. Both switches have a relatively light bottom out force, with the BCP at 57 grams and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro at 55 grams. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience with the BCP, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may provide a slightly lighter touch. Overall, both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of weight, making them ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether one prefers a slightly heavier actuation force or a slightly lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch with a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Gamers may prefer the BCP switch for its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance for your typing or gaming needs.
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 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 offers a clacky and percussive auditory experience, giving off a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a higher-pitched sound profile that contributes to a delightful typing experience. Both switches deliver distinct sound profiles, with the BCP emphasizing on a more crisp and bright tone, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a satisfying and unique sound tailored for keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of feel, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch provides a bouncy and creamy typing experience, characterized by a spring-like elastic feedback that gives a lively rebound sensation with each key press. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, providing a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming, a spring-like feedback, responsiveness, and a smooth key travel experience. Both switches aim to enhance the tactile feedback and typing comfort, with the BCP focusing on a more elastic and buttery sensation, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro emphasizing on a balanced tactility and smoothness.
Overall, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch provide unique and subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the BCP offers a more clacky and bouncy experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro presents a higher-pitched sound profile and a combination of tactile features that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches can offer a fulfilling mechanical keyboard experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of enhancing their overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a clacky sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feel, the BCPs are an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound and a combination of features like an accented tactile bump, bouncy and snappy feel, and a polished finish, the Lavender Purple V3 switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your preference for sound and feel will play a significant role in determining which switch best suits your typing style and preferences. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and enjoy your typing experience with either of these high-quality mechanical keyboard switches.
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