Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Bsun Light Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Light Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Light Sakura present two distinct yet appealing options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is celebrated for its budget-friendly quality and delivers a delightful auditory experience with its poppy and clacky sound profile, combined with a bouncy, snappy feel that many users find satisfying for both gaming and typing. Conversely, the Bsun Light Sakura prioritizes silence and comfort, offering an ultra-light touch that makes it ideal for long typing sessions without causing fatigue, making it a fantastic choice for those in shared or quiet environments. While both switches fall under the category of linear switches, their unique characteristics cater to varying needs - the Cream Black Pro for a more engaging tactile experience and the Light Sakura for serene productivity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Light Sakura both feature polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a desirable sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This similarity manifests from the use of polycarbonate—a material known for its rigidity and translucency—allowing RGB lighting effects to shine through effectively. Both switches benefit in terms of aesthetics and sound clarity, making them ideal for users who prioritize vibrant key lighting and a lively acoustic response. Given that they share the same top housing material, users can expect a comparable sound profile when activating the switches, with both capable of delivering a resonant performance that enhances the tactile experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges significantly in material choice. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which typically produces a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer composition. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder audio character that contrasts greatly with the sharper qualities of its polycarbonate top. Meanwhile, the Light Sakura opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing as well, reinforcing the sharpness and clarity of its sound profile. The differences in bottom housing materials mean that the V3 Cream Black Pro will create a rounder bottom-out sound, enhancing the typing experience with a more muted response, while the Light Sakura will maintain its crisp sound throughout.
Ultimately, the variation in the bottom housing materials results in distinct auditory experiences between the two switches. While both share the same polycarbonate top housing, which governs the release and resonance of key presses, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro dampens sound and offers a plush typing feel. The generally crisper sound profile of the Bsun Light Sakura—thanks to its fully polycarbonate construction—offers users a vibrant and lively feedback. Therefore, potential users should consider the desired auditory signature and tactile feel when choosing between these two switches, as they will deliver unique yet closely aligned performances.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch with the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 Cream Black Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Light Sakura switch features a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This lighter feel may appeal to users who prefer to type for extended periods without fatigue, making it ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a firmer push that some typists may favor, while the Light Sakura switch caters to those seeking a softer, more effortless keystroke. Therefore, if you value a heavier switch, the V3 Cream Black Pro is the way to go; conversely, if you prefer lighter switches, the Light Sakura is the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch, there is a distinct difference to note. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Light Sakura offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that for users seeking quicker responsiveness, the shorter option, the V3 Cream Black Pro, may be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation and quicker key presses—ideal for gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Light Sakura, with its longer travel distance, is likely to provide a deeper and more satisfying keypress experience, which some users may prefer for typing or more deliberate use. In summary, if you're looking for heightened responsiveness, the V3 Cream Black Pro's shorter 3.3 mm travel distance is the better choice, while the Light Sakura's 3.6 mm travel distance is suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced key feel.
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 Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is characterized by a high-pitched, poppy, and clacky tone, which gives users a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sound not only enhances the typing experience but also adds an engaging element for those who appreciate the acoustic aspect of mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Bsun Light Sakura is designed for a more muted experience, striving for silence to ensure discretion during use. This switch's quiet operation makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise can be disruptive, although specific sound descriptors for this switch are not provided.
When considering the feel of these switches, the V3 Cream Black Pro excels with its creamy texture, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels effortless. Users will appreciate the bouncy and snappy characteristics, which offer responsive feedback and a lively sensation with each press. Additionally, its polished finish contributes to reduced friction and a sleek feel during usage. In contrast, details regarding the tactile qualities of the Light Sakura are unspecified, but given its ultra-light nature, it can be inferred that it delivers a gentle and comfortable typing sensation, making it well-suited for extended periods of use without fatigue.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro presents a dynamic and lively typing experience marked by its high-pitched sounds and smooth, responsive feel, ideal for users who enjoy a more engaging auditory and tactile interaction. On the other hand, the Bsun Light Sakura prioritizes a quiet and comfortable experience, making it perfect for those in shared or quieter environments. While both switches aim to satisfy distinct user preferences, they ultimately serve different purposes—one for expression and feedback, the other for discretion and comfort, and depending on your needs, either option can enhance your typing experience effectively.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you favor a heavier actuation with a delightful poppy and clacky sound, the Cream Black Pro would be your go-to choice. This switch excels in providing a creamy, bouncy, and polished feel, making your typing experience both enjoyable and responsive, especially suited for gaming or vigorous typing sessions. However, if you're looking for something more subtle and suited for long hours of work, the Light Sakura is designed with you in mind. Its ultra-light bottom-out force, combined with its silent operation, makes it perfect for office environments or shared spaces, allowing you to type comfortably without the disturbance of noise. In essence, the decision boils down to whether you prioritize a lively typing experience with acoustic feedback or a quiet, fatigue-reducing option for extended use.
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