Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact both performance and user experience. The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, delivering a seamless keystroke that many users appreciate for both typing and gaming. Its bright sound profile adds an engaging auditory element without the tactile feedback, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter environment or prioritize speed and smoothness. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a more tactile approach with its noticeable bump, providing not only satisfying feedback but also a higher-pitched sound profile that delights keyboard enthusiasts. This switch is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more engaging typing sensation and appreciate the nuanced response that tactile feedback provides. Ultimately, both switches have their advantages: the Bumblebee for smoothness and speed, and the Lavender Purple for tactile enjoyment and auditory feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro each utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which directly influences their sound profiles when typing. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a sound that is deeper and more muted. This unique sound quality is attributed to POM’s specific acoustic properties that offer a pleasing auditory experience. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in enhanced clarity and resonance, allowing RGB lighting to shine through effectively. While both switches offer unique auditory characteristics, the Bumblebee is suited for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience, while the Akko’s polycarbonate design favors clarity and brightness in sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Bumblebee Linear and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro employ nylon, a material revered in the mechanical keyboard community for its sound-dampening qualities. This shared use of nylon means that both switches can deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's soft texture absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, which contributes to a more rounded auditory experience when engaging the keys. Since both switches feature the same bottom housing material, one could expect a similarly rich and deep sound when bottoming out the switch. The overlapping use of nylon allows both keyboards to excel in creating a satisfying tactile feel and an enjoyable sound profile that typists often seek.
In summary, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro share a commonality in their bottom housing material (nylon), they differ significantly in their top housing materials, which influences the overall typing experience. The Bumblebee's POM top housing offers a muted sound that resonates differently compared to the sharper and brighter profile of the V3 Lavender’s polycarbonate top. Users can achieve a balance of sound quality with both switches; the nylon bottom provides consistency in depth, while the top housing determines the brightness and clarity of the sound. Ultimately, these contrasting top housings allow for a versatile typing experience, catering to a range of personal preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, both switches exhibit similar actuation forces, each requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ; the Bumblebee Linear has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro requires 55 grams to fully depress. This means that while both switches provide a light actuation feel ideal for long typing sessions, the Bumblebee Linear ultimately feels lighter overall due to its lower bottom out force, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial typing experience, catering to users who prefer a firmer feedback when pressing keys. Therefore, those looking for a lighter touch should opt for the Bumblebee, while those seeking a more robust feel may gravitate towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Bumblebee Linear measuring 3.6 mm and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro at 3.8 mm. This makes the Bumblebee Linear the shorter of the two options, providing a slightly quicker response time that may appeal to gamers seeking speed. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced keystroke feel, which some users might prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize rapid responsiveness or a more satisfying key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch offers a bright sound profile that enhances the auditory experience during typing. Its clarity is notable, making each keystroke distinctly audible without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches feature a higher-pitched sound profile, which can add an engaging element to typing sessions. The sound from the Lavender Purple Pro is complemented by a tactile bump, contributing to an overall delightful auditory experience. While both switches have their unique sound characteristics, the Bumblebee is generally smoother and less intrusive, while the Lavender Purple Pro has a livelier ring that stands out during use.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear is recognized for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, providing a seamless key travel that many typists find appealing. It is tailored for those who prefer an uninterrupted flow when typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a distinct tactile experience characterized as "medium tactile," which is not overly aggressive but still provides a satisfying feedback. Additionally, the Lavender Purple Pro switches are noted for their bouncy, snappy response that brings a lively sensation to each keystroke. Their polished nature makes for a refined touch that enhances the overall typing feel, facilitating smooth operation as well. This juxtaposition makes the Bumblebee more suitable for users who prioritize pure linear feel, while the Lavender Purple Pro caters to those who enjoy tactile feedback with responsiveness.
In conclusion, selecting between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro involves a consideration of sound and feel preferences. While the Bumblebee offers a smooth and bright sound with an uninterrupted typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro delights users with its higher-pitched sound and tactile engagement. Ultimately, your choice will rely on whether you favor a linear or tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard experience. Both can provide enjoyable typing sessions, but understanding their differences will help you find the switch that best matches your personal typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you prioritize a lightweight and exceptionally smooth typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear switches are ideal for you, especially if you enjoy a rapid, effortless feel under your fingers. These switches are particularly suited for fast-paced typists and gamers who value speed and fluidity without tactile interruption. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more engaging typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and a slightly heavier actuation force, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is likely a better fit. These switches offer an accented and bouncy feel, making them enjoyable for both typing and general usage, providing a balance of responsiveness and tactile feedback that can enhance your overall experience. Ultimately, choose the Bumblebee Linear for speed and smoothness or the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for an engaging tactile sensation; both switches bring unique benefits that cater to different styles and preferences in typing.
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