Bsun Pine vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and Akko V3 Piano Pro stand out as popular choices, each offering unique qualities for different preferences. The BSUN Pine switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility for users who value clear-cut feedback and fast action. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is designed with a long pole stem, offering a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. While the Pine switch is accentuated and invigorating, the V3 Piano Pro switch is bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both feature a unique combination of housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer nature. While the Pine's nylon bottom housing and the V3 Piano Pro's nylon bottom housing both contribute to a duller and rounder sound profile, the difference lies in the overall feel and impact of the switches when pressed.
In terms of aesthetics, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing may not offer the same translucency but makes up for it with a richer sound profile that is more pleasing to the ears. The difference in materials between the two switches highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, from sound to feel.
While both switches feature nylon bottom housings, the Bsun Pine and the Akko V3 Piano Pro vary in terms of their top housing materials. This difference results in distinct sound profiles for each switch, with the Pine offering a sharper and crisper sound while the V3 Piano Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these variations, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel remains consistent between the two switches, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, meaning they both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Bsun Pine has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro's 55 grams, making it slightly heavier in terms of pressing all the way down. This difference in bottom out force may result in a more substantial typing experience with the Bsun Pine switch, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro may provide a lighter typing feel, which could be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired keypress weight.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall slightly below the typical 4.0 mm travel distance seen in traditional switches. The Pine offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Piano Pro, making it a popular choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's slightly longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired travel distance and key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
The BSUN Pine tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility. This creates a distinctive typing experience that appeals to users who enjoy a strong tactile feedback with each keystroke. In terms of sound, the Pine switch offers a unique auditory experience that is dependent on factors such as choice of keyboard and keycaps. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is recognized for its snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to typing. The smooth actuation of the Piano Pro ensures a pleasing tactile experience. The sound of the V3 Piano Pro is described as clacky and resonant, contributing to a sharp and percussive sound profile.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Pine switch is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. The strong and crisp tactile bump of the Pine switch provides a distinct sensation with each keypress, offering a medium tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The bouncy and elastic feedback of the Piano Pro switch creates a lively feel with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience with a silky sensation.
In conclusion, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch provides a sharp tactile bump and direct feedback, catering to users who prefer a strong tactile experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a snappy sound signature and a smooth actuation, creating a pleasing tactile sensation during typing. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring a personalized typing experience for users. If users are looking for similar results in terms of sound or feel, they can expect a similar experience with either of these switches based on the detailed descriptions provided.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Pine tactile switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a sharper tactile bump and quick bottom-out, then the Pine switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro switch could be more to your liking. Keep in mind that the Pine switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 55 grams, so consider how much resistance you prefer when typing. Overall, both switches offer unique typing experiences, so it's worth trying them out to see which one feels more comfortable and satisfying for your typing needs.
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