Bsun Cliff vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the distinct characteristics of each option can dramatically influence your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is renowned for its medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced feedback with each keystroke, enhancing their overall typing rhythm. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, categorized as a linear switch, stands out for its budget-friendly appeal and delivers a delightful combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth actuation, catering to users who appreciate a fluid and vibrant auditory experience without the tactile bump. While the Cliff offers a more pronounced feedback suitable for those who flourish in tactile environments, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a soft and seamless experience, perfect for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Cliff and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro share a notable similarity in their choice of housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This commonality arises from the inherent properties of polycarbonate as a stiffer plastic, enhancing resonance and clarity during typing. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, allowing vibrant colors to shine through and create an appealing visual effect. As a result, users of both switches can expect similar auditory experiences when pressing the keys, characterized by clarity and brightness.
While the top housing materials of both switches align in terms of composition and acoustic properties, their bottom housing materials introduce contrasting characteristics. Both the Bsun Cliff and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro employ nylon in their bottom housings, which is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than its stiffer counterpart, which leads to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This divergence in bottom housing materials suggests that the overall sound produced when bottoming out the keys will feel richer and softer for both switches, although the sound will be influenced further by the stiffer polycarbonate top housing.
In conclusion, the combination of materials in both the Bsun Cliff and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro creates a balanced auditory experience that capitalizes on the strengths of each material. Users will enjoy the sharpness and clarity afforded by the polycarbonate top housing, while simultaneously experiencing the fullness and depth provided by the nylon bottom housing. While the top and bottom housings contribute distinct qualities to the overall acoustic profile, the resulting sound experience during both typing and key releases will exhibit a unique blend of crispness and warmth, ensuring that users derive an enjoyable and dynamic typing experience from both switch options.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, which is beneficial for longer typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile response. Consequently, the Cliff switch would be better suited for individuals who prioritize comfort during extended use, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro caters to users seeking a firmer keystroke. Overall, the two switches differ significantly in weight, with the Cliff being lighter and more suitable for prolonged use, whereas the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is heavier and works well for those who prefer a stronger typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the Cliff switch offers a more substantial depth, appealing to those who appreciate a fuller keystroke experience. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's shorter travel distance may be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. For individuals who prefer a more responsive feel, the Akko switch could be the better choice, while those who enjoy a heartier keystroke might gravitate towards the Bsun Cliff. Overall, the Cliff's longer travel distance provides more tactile feedback, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro caters to those looking for quicker actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow Pro for $2.00.
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 Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp sound signature that accompanies its medium tactility. This auditory quality provides a satisfying feedback that can be quite pleasing to the ears, making every keystroke feel intentional. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch presents a more vibrant auditory experience, producing a poppy and clacky sound that is often associated with linear switches. This choice offers a distinctive auditory feedback, which many users find enjoyable, especially in the context of gaming or typing where auditory confirmation of key presses can enhance the experience. It's important to note that the overall sound can significantly vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap choice, but each switch type brings its unique tones to the table.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch provides a recognizable tactile bump that enhances the typing experience by giving each keystroke a defined feedback. This makes it an appealing option for those who appreciate a tactile sensation when typing. In comparison, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a smooth and lively feel. Its easy-to-press design, combined with a light actuation force, results in a feathery and bouncy typing experience. Many users find this to be a significant advantage for long typing sessions or gaming, as it minimizes finger fatigue while providing responsive feedback. The snappy nature of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro enhances this responsiveness, adding a lively feel that some users may prefer in terms of an engaging typing experience.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch each present distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard users. The Cliff offers a crisp sound and medium tactility, which are ideal for those who appreciate defined feedback in their typing. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow Pro delivers a poppy auditory experience alongside a smooth and lively typing feel, providing effortless and enjoyable keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, as both switches promise a rewarding typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lightweight key press with a medium tactility and a crisp auditory feedback, the Cliff switch will enhance your typing experience, particularly for activities that benefit from tactile feedback such as coding or writing. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it an excellent choice for long typing sessions, as it will minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more versatile switch that offers a satisfying auditory experience paired with smoothness, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch could be your go-to. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, these switches provide a more deliberate feel, which can be more suitable for gaming where precision is key. Furthermore, the poppy clack and bouncy feedback of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro can enhance the joy of typing or gaming, especially if you enjoy a more vibrant sound profile. Ultimately, consider what feels best for your style, whether it's the tactile response of the Cliff or the smooth and snappy nature of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, as both can significantly elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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