Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Kailh BCP both offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences, yet share a common foundation as linear switches. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is celebrated for its exceptional value, delivering a delightful typing experience characterized by its creamy, high-pitched, and bouncy feedback, alongside a notably smooth actuation. Its unique poppy and clacky sound makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback without compromising performance. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP continues the tradition of the Black Cherry Pies with a modern twist, featuring a creamy and viscous feel that enhances the tactile experience without the need for disassembly. Its elastic and bouncy nature ensures a refreshing typing style, also complementing the same poppy and clacky sound profile. While both switches stand out in their own right, the decision ultimately depends on the nuances of personal preference. 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
55g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
20mm
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Kailh BCP, a distinct contrast emerges, particularly in their top housing compositions. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer and more resonant qualities. This material yields a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users seeking a more defined typing experience, especially when equipped with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Kailh BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, a material recognized for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Consequently, while the V3 Cream Black Pro may appeal to those desiring a brighter sound, the Kailh BCP could attract users preferring a more muted and rounded sound signature.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Kailh BCP feature nylon in this component. This consistency in material results in a shared acoustic profile for the bottom-out sounds between the two switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a more profound and textured auditory feedback during typing, providing that signature dampened quality often sought after by enthusiasts. Therefore, regardless of the differences in top housings, the bottom housing will deliver a similar sound experience for users of both switches, emphasizing the soft and rich characteristics of nylon.
Overall, the contrasting materials in the top housings of the V3 Cream Black Pro and Kailh BCP highlight the importance of housing composition in shaping the sound and feel of each switch. The polycarbonate of the V3 Cream Black Pro brings brightness and clarity, while the nylon top of the Kailh BCP offers warmth and depth. Yet, thanks to the shared nylon material in the bottom housings, users can expect a consistent foundation in sound quality, bridging the auditory experience between the two models. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and aesthetics, but both ensure an engaging typing experience through their unique designs.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Kailh BCP linear switch has slightly lighter specifications, with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the BCP switch lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, providing a gentler typing experience that may be beneficial for prolonged use, such as during long gaming sessions or work hours. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro, being heavier, could be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing, which might offer a more tactile engagement. Both switches exhibit medium-heavy characteristics; however, users looking for a less physically demanding option would likely prefer the Kailh BCP due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, we find that the V3 Cream Black Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the BCP measures at 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offers a shorter travel distance, which can cater to gamers seeking quicker response times for more fluid gameplay. Conversely, the Kailh BCP provides a longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress that allows for a deeper, more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference; if you favor rapid actuation, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the better option, while those who appreciate a heavier depth might opt for the BCP.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Kailh BCP linear switches deliver a distinctive auditory experience characterized by a poppy and clacky sound profile. The Cream Black Pro is particularly noted for its high-pitched tone, which produces a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke, making it a great choice for users who prefer a more vibrant acoustic feedback. On the other hand, while the BCP maintains a similar clacky sound, its specific sonic qualities have not been described in detail, suggesting that while they may offer comparable auditory experiences, further experimentation may reveal subtle differences.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro excels with its creamy and bouncy characteristics, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience that feels silky and effortless. The presence of a polished finish contributes to a refined sensation while typing, enhancing overall satisfaction. The switch also offers an enticing bounce, which adds a spring-like responsiveness to each keystroke, making typing feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the Kailh BCP's tactile attributes remain unspecified but can be anticipated to be favorable given its reimagined design aimed at improving the typing feel without disassembly hassles. Users may regard the BCP as a potential competitor in terms of overall tactile feedback.
In summary, if you’re looking for a solid entry into mechanical keyboard switches, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Kailh BCP linear switches present appealing features. The Cream Black Pro stands out with its high-pitched sound and creamy, bouncy feel, while the BCP likely offers a similarly enjoyable experience, even if specifics are not readily available. Depending on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, both switches might lead to satisfaction—though, for a newcomer, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro provides a clearer picture of its audio-visual characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you are looking for a switch that offers a unique blend of smoothness and a high-pitched, clacky sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams provides a satisfying level of resistance that can enhance the tactile feedback during intense typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that feels creamy and bouncy, giving a lively and elastic feedback with a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, then the Kailh BCP could be the better option. The BCP's design aims to eliminate the hassle of disassembly while still delivering a dynamic typing experience, making it ideal for those who value both ease of use and performance. Carefully consider what aspects matter most to you—be it sound, feel, or overall typing experience—before making your choice, as both switches have their unique strengths that can significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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