Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro present two distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike. The Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a seamless feel without tactile bumps—ideal for rapid key presses in gaming or focused typing sessions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro caters to users who enjoy a tactile feedback with its snappy, pronounced actuation, producing a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that adds a lively auditory dimension to typing. This tactile sensation, coupled with commendable smoothness, captures the attention of those who appreciate a more pronounced interaction with their keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, it becomes evident that they have both similarities and differences that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM top housing which is known for producing a deep and muted sound, contrasting with the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This fundamental difference in the top housing material greatly impacts the auditory experience, especially during key releases. While the Bumblebee offers a more mellow sound, the Akko V3 stands out for its brighter sound signature, catering to different user preferences in keyboard acoustics.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro utilize nylon, which is revered as a classic switch housing material. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. Because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound well, it dampens the overall acoustics during typing. This shared characteristic allows both switches to deliver a certain level of sound warmth and roundness, ensuring that even though their top housings differ, they achieve a similar depth in their auditory responses. Thus, while the top housing influences the clarity and brightness of the sound, the nylon bottom housing brings uniformity to the sound profile across both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials and the shared nylon bottom housing can yield interesting results when it comes to overall performance. The Bsun Bumblebee Linear may resonate with users who prefer more muted and deeper tones, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro caters to those who enjoy a bright, resonant experience. Despite their differences, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, which effectively enhances the depth and fullness of the sound, contributing to a pleasant typing experience. Therefore, users can choose between the two based on their desired sound profile while still enjoying the roundness provided by the nylon component in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally comfortable for users who favor a light touch when typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force differs, with the Bumblebee at 50 grams and the Cream Blue Pro at 55 grams, indicating that the latter switch requires a bit more force before reaching the bottom. This distinction may affect the typing experience; the lighter bottom out force of the Bumblebee Linear might appeal to users who prefer a snappier response, while the heavier bottom out force of the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, while both switches are light in terms of actuation force, the Bumblebee Linear is the lighter option overall due to its lower bottom out force, providing a more effortless keystroke experience compared to the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, the Bumblebee Linear measures 3.6 mm, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive keypress, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing or gaming, the Bumblebee Linear provides a deeper travel depth, which can enhance tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize responsiveness or a hearty depth, as these characteristics can significantly impact your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue 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 Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 sound profile of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is bright, offering a pleasant auditory experience that pairs well with its smooth actuation. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is characterized by a distinct poppy and clacky sound, creating an engaging acoustic environment that many typists enjoy. While both switches have their unique sound signatures, it’s essential to note that the overall sound experience is influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can contribute to a richer or more subdued acoustic output.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, providing a fluid keystroke without any noticeable tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a more linear typing sensation. In stark contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its medium tactile feedback, defined as accented, bouncy, and snappy. This switch provides a lively, elastic rebound and a responsive feel, perfect for users who enjoy a tactile bump with each keystroke. Furthermore, it is noted for its polished texture, enhancing the overall typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro serve fundamentally different preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. The Bumblebee’s bright sound and smooth feel cater to those who prioritize a quiet, linear experience, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a lively, tactile interaction paired with its unique auditory charm. Ultimately, your choice between them will rely heavily on whether you lean towards a purely linear switch or seek the delightful feedback of a tactile one.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch should hinge on your personal typing preferences and the type of feedback you desire from your keyboard. If you prefer an exceptionally smooth and light typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy a bright sound profile that keeps your typing lively. This switch excels in providing an uninterrupted motion, ideal for those long typing sessions or gaming marathons where you want quick, unobstructed key presses. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile response with a bit more character and don't mind a slightly heavier actuation force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is your best bet. Its medium-light resistance of 55 grams paired with its bouncy and snappy feel will give you a satisfying reaction with each keystroke, perfect for both typing and gaming. The pronounced tactile feedback, complemented by a poppy and clacky sound profile, creates an engaging and enjoyable experience that many users find appealing. In essence, choose the Bumblebee Linear for a more fluid, smooth experience and the V3 Cream Blue Pro if you're looking for tactile feedback and a lively auditory response.
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