Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both present compelling choices for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is particularly appealing for budget-conscious users who don't want to compromise on quality; its unique poppy and clacky sound profile, combined with a creamy, snappy feel, makes it a standout option. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) distinguishes itself with its Ly stems, which contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience and a resonant sound, appealing to those who prioritize tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. Both switches cater to different preferences and budgets, making them worthwhile considerations depending on your typing needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.

By the numbers

Akko V3 Cream Black Pro Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.77

$2.70 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences the sound profile of the switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to other materials. Both switch models benefit from this characteristic, meaning that users can expect a bright and resonant auditory feedback when using either switch. Additionally, when RGB lighting is integrated into a keyboard, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects, ensuring that the lighting shines through vividly. Therefore, regardless of which switch is chosen, users will achieve a similar sound quality and aesthetic brightness from their polycarbonate top housings.

On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of both switches diverge, as both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) use nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a traditional material in switch design due to its capacity to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer alternatives, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. This creates a contrasting feel to the bright and crisp sound produced by the polycarbonate tops. Consequently, while both switches share similar top housing benefits, their bottom housings will deliver different tactile and auditory sensations during key presses, with the nylon delivering a more mellow and satisfying bottom-out sound.

In summary, while both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share the same polycarbonate top housing, leading to a consistent high-pitched and resonant sound profile, their differing materials in the bottom housing highlight the unique characteristics of each switch. This combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom allows users to experience a complete range of auditory feedback, where the crispness of the switch is complemented by a fuller sound during key releases. Ultimately, these design elements work in harmony to provide a balanced typing experience, making both switches effective in catering to a variety of user preferences in keyboard feel and sound.

Weight

The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch share some similarities but also exhibit slight differences in their specifications. Both switches have an actuation force of 55 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, which indicates that typists will experience a similar tactile response during use. However, the bottom out force for the V3 Cream Black Pro is 65 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a marginally lower bottom out force of 64 grams. This difference means that while both switches belong to the medium-heavy category, the V3 Cream Black Pro is slightly heavier when fully pressed down. As a result, the Tomcat (Heavy), being the lighter option overall, may be preferred by those who appreciate a less strenuous typing experience for extended use, whereas the V3 Cream Black Pro may appeal to users looking for a more substantial feel when bottoming out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the differences are quite notable. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers quicker responsiveness, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, catering to those who enjoy a deeper keypress. Ultimately, your preference for either switch will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more pronounced typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is known for its poppy and clacky auditory profile. This high-pitched sound can be quite satisfying for users who prefer a sharp and crisp feedback when typing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch features a resonant sound profile, which may provide a different sensory experience depending on the overall setup, such as the board and keycaps used. While the V3 Cream Black Pro clearly delineates its high-pitched character, the Tomcat (Heavy) might exhibit a fuller sound due to its resonance, suggesting that these two switches will offer distinct auditory experiences.

In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro excels with a buttery, creamy texture that ensures a smooth and silky typing experience. This sensation is enhanced by a bouncy quality that offers an elastic feedback as the keys respond, making each keystroke lively and engaging. Moreover, the polished nature of the switch reduces friction, further contributing to the overall appeal. Unfortunately, the specific qualities of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) in terms of feel remain unknown, limiting a direct comparison. However, the smoothness suggested by the use of Ly stems hints that it may provide a satisfying tactile performance as well, even if the details are unclear.

In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The V3 Cream Black Pro is particularly notable for its high-pitched sound and creamy, bouncy feel, making it an appealing choice for those seeking an engaging typing experience on a budget. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its resonant sound profile and potential for smoothness, could attract users looking for something different, although its specific feel attributes are undetermined. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual sound and tactile preferences, as each offers a distinct keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your preferences for sound and feel in your typing experience. If you value a distinct, high-pitched sound that echoes a poppy and clacky profile, coupled with a smooth and creamy typing sensation, the V3 Cream Black Pro is an excellent choice. Its 65-gram bottom-out force strikes a balance for those who enjoy a medium-heavy feel while typing, making it suitable for both casual use and more serious gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super smooth typing experience with the feel of a polished and detailed tactile sensation, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) might be your go-to switch. While it has a similar bottom-out force of 64 grams, its Ly stems ensure an exceptionally smooth glide, which can be particularly appealing for prolonged typing sessions or for users who prefer a quieter resonance. Ultimately, assess your priorities around sound and feedback; if you lean towards a crisp auditory experience, opt for the V3 Cream Black Pro, but if you seek silent yet smooth key presses, the Tomcat (Heavy) will likely serve you better.

Mentioned in this article

Akko V3 Cream Black Pro Linear

$3.77

$2.70 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more