Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll are two standout options that cater to different preferences, while both embracing the linear switch design. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is tailored for budget-conscious users seeking high-quality performance, boasting a unique poppy and clacky sound along with a notably smooth keypress that adds to the overall typing experience. Its characteristics, described as creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, and polished, make it an appealing choice for those who value auditory feedback alongside tactile comfort. Meanwhile, the Bsun Ragdoll, with its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, prioritizes smooth travel and delivers a satisfying clack, presenting a great option for gamers or typists looking for a switch that offers a bit more auditory excitement. Both switches offer distinct advantages—whether it be the Akko’s polished feel or the Ragdoll’s smoother travel—that can enhance your typing or gaming experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll, a distinct contrast emerges between the top housings. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer properties, thus resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This attribute makes it particularly advantageous for users who appreciate a more resonant auditory experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also provides an appealing aesthetic, especially for setups utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer characteristics absorb more sound, producing a duller and rounder auditory quality. Subsequently, this divergence between the top housing materials contributes to varying sonic experiences when typing on these switches.
On the other hand, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll employ nylon for their bottom housings. This consistency indicates a shared characteristic, with nylon providing a deeper and more resonant sound profile irrespective of the top housing material. The nylon bottom housing in both switches absorbs sound effectively, leading to a muted and cushioned feel when bottoming out. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the tactile feedback and the bottom-out sound, users can expect similar experiences in this regard, despite the differences in the top housing materials. This shared feature marks a commonality that could appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate the sound dynamics that nylon brings to mechanical switches.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Bsun Ragdoll present distinct top housing materials—polycarbonate and nylon respectively—their similarities in bottom housing contribute to a layered yet complementary sound profile across both models. Users of the V3 Cream Black Pro can expect a crisper sound from the top due to the polycarbonate, while the Ragdoll will offer a fuller tone thanks to its nylon top. Ultimately, for enthusiasts seeking to customize their typing experience, both switches can provide satisfying auditory feedback, with their nylon bottom housings uniting them in providing a solid foundation for sound dynamics. Therefore, regardless of the differences in the top housings, users can achieve similar satisfying results through the nylon components present in both switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy and providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Ragdoll switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This difference means that users of the Ragdoll switch may find typing and gaming less taxing over long sessions, while those who prefer heavier switches for a more tactile feel would be drawn to the V3 Cream Black Pro. Overall, the V3 Cream Black Pro is the heavier option, while the Bsun Ragdoll is the lighter choice, making them suitable for different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Ragdoll boasts a greater distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Akko switch the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress, offering a deeper tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on personal preferences for either a quicker response or a more pronounced depth in key travel.
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 Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch delivers a distinctive high-pitched, clacky sound that resonates with a certain sharpness, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a more crisp auditory feedback. This quality can enhance the typing experience, especially if one prefers a less bassy profile. The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is reputed to produce a similarly clacky sound, attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. While both switches exhibit a degree of clackiness, they may vary in pitch and tone, which could be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap selection.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out with a delightful creamy texture, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that's bolstered by bounciness and snappiness. This blend makes each keystroke feel lively and responsive, akin to gliding effortlessly across the keys. The polished finish further enhances the sensation of smooth key travel, which many typists find enjoyable. Meanwhile, the feel of the Ragdoll linear switch is less defined in terms of specific descriptors. It is known for its smooth travel due to the Y3 stem, suggesting a straightforward and pleasant typing experience, although additional qualitative insights into its tactile feedback are not available.
In summary, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch offer distinct sound profiles, with the former featuring a high-pitched clack and the latter also leaning towards a clacky tone, albeit with unknown specifics. When it comes to feel, the Akko switch provides a richly varied tactile experience marked by smoothness and elasticity, while the Ragdoll's characteristics remain less detailed. Overall, choosing between the two switches may largely depend on personal noise preferences and tactile sensations, as both have unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a smooth, buttery typing experience with a lively, bouncy feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro is likely your best bet. Its high-pitched, poppy sound adds a spirited character to your typing, making it an exciting option for those who appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter keystroke and desire a switch that feels incredibly smooth thanks to its unique Y3 stem, the Bsun Ragdoll will suit you well. With its medium-light force and clacky sound, this switch offers a delightful typing experience that balances comfort with a touch of acoustic flair. In the end, your selection should align with how you want to experience your mechanical keyboard—whether you favor a more robust feedback or seek subtlety in your keystrokes.
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