Sarokeys BCP vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and intended use. The Sarokeys BCP offers a unique experience with its creamy and bouncy feel, enhanced by a signature poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches cater specifically to gamers, providing easy-to-press keys with a pleasing bassy sound and light actuation force for optimal speed and responsiveness. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys BCP and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both utilize nylon as a housing material for their top housing, resulting in a deep and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. However, the BCP's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound, while the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound profile between the two switches can significantly impact the typing experience for users who prefer a specific sound aesthetic.
On the other hand, both the BCP and the V3 Silver Pro feature nylon as their bottom housing material, emphasizing the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with this softer plastic. This consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch can affect how the qualities of each material impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice between the Sarokeys BCP and the Akko V3 Silver Pro ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. While the BCP offers a duller and rounder sound with its nylon top housing, the V3 Silver Pro provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a consistent deep and full sound experience. Whether users prioritize a specific sound aesthetic or value the overall typing feel influenced by the different housing materials, these factors play a significant role in the decision-making process between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the BCP switch has a heavier actuation force of 51 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro switch is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. The BCP switch provides a more medium-light typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier keystroke. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro switch offers a lighter touch, ideal for users who prefer a softer typing feel. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the BCP switch being heavier and the V3 Silver Pro switch being lighter. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation force, both switches offer reliable performance for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Sarokeys BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the BCP has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Silver Pro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the gaming community for their quicker response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the BCP, while those who prefer a slightly deeper press may opt for the V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their close proximity in travel distance.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch offers a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, known for its crisp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a pleasing bassy sound with a high-pitched tone, giving a sharp and crisp sound experience. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, with the BCP offering a clacky sound and the V3 Silver Pro delivering a more bassy and high-pitched tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch is characterized by a bouncy and creamy feel, providing a lively and elastic feedback sensation combined with a smooth and buttery typing experience. In comparison, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers an easy-to-press and creamy feel, requiring minimal force to activate while delivering a smooth typing experience. Both switches share creamy characteristics, ensuring a comfortable and low-impact typing feel for users.
In conclusion, the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities tailored to different preferences. The BCP excels in providing a clacky sound profile and bouncy, creamy typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro delivers a pleasing bassy sound and effortless, creamy typing feel. Both switches cater to specific user needs, whether seeking a more distinctive auditory feedback or a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience with either the Sarokeys BCP or the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Sarokeys BCP linear switch or the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a medium-light switch with a creamy and bouncy feel, along with a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, the BCP might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force, easy-to-press keys, and a bassy sound for gaming scenarios where speed is crucial, the V3 Silver Pro could be the better option. Both switches offer unique benefits, so carefully consider your priorities to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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