Bsun Cliff vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your typing experience, and two notable options are the Bsun Cliff and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, both of which are tactile switches. The Cliff is recognized for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an appealing option for those who enjoy a balanced touch while maintaining a refined acoustic profile. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a pronounced tactile bump that delivers a more robust feedback with a loud, bassier sound signature, catering to users who relish a more dynamic and immersive typing experience. While both switches offer unique tactile characteristics, your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a subtle yet satisfyingly crisp response with the Cliff, or an invigorating, punchy feedback with the Creamy Purple Pro. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Nylon
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 Creamy Purple Pro share notable similarities in their top housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate, a plastic renowned for its stiff structure. This choice dictates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile characteristic of these switches. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, allowing the colors to shine through effectively. Consequently, users can expect a consistently bright and resonant auditory experience when using either switch, making them suitable for enthusiasts keen on sound quality and visual effects.
Conversely, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which introduces a depth to the sound profile that contrasts with the clarity provided by the polycarbonate tops. Nylon tends to absorb sound more effectively than stiffer materials, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This inherent softness means that the impact of the bottom housing is felt primarily during the actuation of each key, contributing to a more rounded bottom-out sound and feel. Here, both switches align in their construction, ensuring that while the tops deliver clarity, the bottoms provide warmth and richness in sound.
In summary, both the Bsun Cliff and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro are designed to complement each other in sound profile and tactile feedback through their use of polycarbonate and nylon. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom balances this with a deeper sound during key depressions. Although their materials might seem distinct in character, together they harmonize to deliver a well-rounded typing experience. Thus, users can achieve similar auditory results, regardless of their choice between these two models, embracing both clarity and depth in their keyboard interactions.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces arise. The Bsun Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This means that the Creamy Purple Pro requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it can reduce finger fatigue. However, the bottom out force tells a different story; the Cliff's bottom out force stands at 45 grams, whereas the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that while the Creamy Purple Pro may be easier to press initially, it requires more effort to fully depress. Therefore, users who prefer an overall lighter typing experience might gravitate toward the Cliff switch, while those who favor a slightly more substantial feel at the end of their keystrokes might prefer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, we find that the Cliff switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a shorter distance of 3 mm. This means that the Cliff provides a more substantial press, catering to users who prefer a deeper keystroke and a more tactile feel, which can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and typists looking for quicker actuation and enhanced responsiveness during fast-paced activities. Thus, for those prioritizing deeper keystrokes, the Bsun Cliff is the better option, whereas the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro suits those who prefer faster, more abrupt interactions with their keyboard.
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 Creamy 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 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 Bsun Cliff tactile switches produce a crisp sound signature that is distinct yet moderate, making it well-suited for environments where you don’t want to be overly disruptive. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches offer a much louder sound profile with a bassier pitch, making them more pronounced with each keystroke. Ultimately, if you prefer a more subtle auditory experience, the Cliff may be the better option, while those who enjoy a more vigorous typing sound might lean towards the Creamy Purple Pro. However, it's important to note that the sound experience can vary significantly depending on factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Cliff switches provide a medium level of tactility that strikes a balance between responsive feedback and smoothness. This makes them versatile for both typing and gaming. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro delivers a more pronounced tactile bump, which can be invigorating for typists who appreciate a stronger sensation with each key press. Both switches cater to those who enjoy tactile feedback, but the Cliff offers a milder experience compared to the more assertive feedback of the Creamy Purple Pro.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches have their unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cliff is ideal for those who favor a moderate, crisp sound and a balanced tactile feel, while the Creamy Purple Pro is perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy a louder, bassier sound coupled with a significant tactile bump. Ultimately, your choice will boil down to personal preference regarding auditory and tactile feedback, and either option can provide an enjoyable typing experience depending on your desired qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter key feel and a moderate level of tactility that offers a crisp sound signature, the Bsun Cliff would be a suitable option for you. Its 45 grams of actuation force can facilitate quicker typing and is especially advantageous for those who type rapidly or are starting out with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback with a louder and deeper sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be more to your liking. With a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a significant tactile bump, this switch provides a thrilling typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. Additionally, if you plan to use your keyboard in quieter environments where the sound of your keystrokes may be distracting to others, the Cliff could be the better choice. Conversely, if you're in a setup where you want to enjoy a more satisfying auditory feedback, the Creamy Purple Pro shines. So, consider the type of sound and feel you desire, along with your typing habits, to choose the switch that will best enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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