Bsun Cliff vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, selecting the right switch can profoundly impact your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff tactile switch stands out for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an appealing option for those who appreciate feedback during their keystrokes without overwhelming noise. Its tactile bump can enhance typing precision, making it a favored choice for typists and gamers alike who thrive on a balanced feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch, categorized as bouncy and polished, offers a snappy sound signature paired with a smooth actuation. This switch provides a lively, almost musical response with each keystroke, ideal for users who prioritize fluidity and an engaging auditory experience while typing or gaming. While both switches cater to different preferences—tactility versus linear smoothness—each has its unique allure. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, the distinctions become particularly pronounced with the top housing. The Cliff employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffer nature enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it particularly effective in applications that utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, which is traditionally known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches serve unique auditory preferences, their top housing materials create fundamentally differing sound characteristics when typing.
On the other hand, both the Bsun Cliff and the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housing, making this aspect of the switches aligned. This similarity means that both switches will inherently share the characteristics offered by nylon at the foundation of their sound production. With the deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon provides, the bottom housing will significantly influence the bottom-out feel and auditory experience when a key is pressed down. This design choice creates a consistent element in both switches, enhancing the overall typing experience in terms of sound dampening and absorption.
Considering how different the top housing materials affect the sound profile while the bottom housing remains the same, users can expect to experience a blend of auditory qualities when typing on either switch. While the Cliff is likely to provide a sharper auditory response on the release of the key, the unified nylon bottom housing means that both switches will yield that signature deeper and fuller impact when the keys are pressed. Thus, even if the overall sound profiles differ, the core experience will still resonate with similarities due to the shared nylon bottom housing, creating a unique balance in how both switches perform.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to press, while the V3 Piano Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that the Cliff switch may be preferable for those who value a lighter touch, especially for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it allows for less strain on the fingers over time. Regarding bottom out forces, the Cliff switch again demonstrates a lighter profile at 45 grams, compared to the V3 Piano Pro's bottom out force of 55 grams. Therefore, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Akko V3 Piano Pro, given its heavier overall force requirements. In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is overall lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a heavier and more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we find that the Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Piano Pro measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that the Cliff offers a bit more depth, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress and a responsive feel. Conversely, the V3 Piano Pro's shorter distance could be favored by gamers seeking quicker reaction times for faster gameplay. Ultimately, the Cliff's longer travel distance might provide a more traditional typing experience, whereas the V3 Piano Pro caters to those who prefer a snappier response, though both switches are still within modern preferences for shorter travel distances.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch delivers a medium tactility paired with a crisp sound signature, making it a great option for typists who appreciate a clear auditory feedback without being overly loud. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch features a clacky and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp, bright tone that contributes to an engaging typing experience. The Piano Pro's snappy sound adds an element of liveliness to each keystroke, ensuring that it stands out in terms of auditory appeal. Both switches offer distinctive sounds, but the Cliff remains more subdued, while the V3 Piano Pro leans into a more lively and pronounced acoustic experience.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch is recognized for its medium tactility, which provides a balanced feedback without overwhelming the typist. Meanwhile, the V3 Piano Pro switches offer a complex tactile experience characterized by a bouncy sensation, resembling a spring-like feedback upon actuation. Users can also experience creamy, polished, and silky textures, resulting in a typing experience that feels luxurious and smooth, thanks to the careful design and materials used in these switches. The tactile feedback from the Cliff is more straightforward, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a surplus of nuanced textures that might cater to those who enjoy varied tactile sensations.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. The Cliff is suited for those who favor a crisp and clear sound with medium tactility, while the V3 Piano Pro excels in providing a lively auditory experience alongside a rich and diverse tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether the user prioritizes a more traditional tactile experience or an immersive and textured typing journey.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use case. If you prefer a light touch with a medium tactile feel and enjoy a crisp sound signature, the Cliff switches may be the better option for you. They provide a tactile feedback that can enhance your typing experience, making them well-suited for tasks like programming or writing, where you might appreciate the feedback without the need for a heavier actuation force. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a snappy and lively typing experience with a slightly firmer (yet still medium-light) keypress, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches will likely resonate more with you. Their clacky and resonant sound profile, combined with a bouncy and smooth feel, makes them ideal for those who value both auditory feedback and a satisfying tactile experience, particularly in gaming or brisk typing environments. Ultimately, your final decision should reflect how much you value tactility and sound versus smoothness and weight in your keyboard experience.
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