Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) stand out as intriguing options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly choice, renowned for its delightful tactile experience characterized by a poppy sound and feathery actuation, making it ideal for users who appreciate both an engaging auditory feedback and a smooth touch. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a notably smooth typing experience with its Ly stems, appealing to those who prioritize minimal resistance and a resonant sound profile while typing. While both switches cater to linear switch lovers, the Cream Yellow Pro excels in creating a dynamic auditory environment, while the Tomcat (Heavy) focuses on delivering an exceptionally smooth experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing preference.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared choice contributes to a sound profile characterized by clarity and crispness, with the rigidity of polycarbonate enhancing the higher-pitched notes. The use of this material allows for a more resonant sound, making both switches great choices for users who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes both switches compatible with RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant visual effects that enhance their aesthetic appeal.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon. This is significant because nylon’s inherently softer nature offers a different sound experience than that provided by polycarbonate. The nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, yielding a deeper, fuller tone that contrasts the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top. As a result, the overall auditory experience of these switches is layered: the sharper notes from the polycarbonate top and the rounder tones from the nylon bottom create a complex sound profile that caters to a variety of preferences.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing allows both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) to deliver a unique auditory experience. While they feature the same materials, the way in which these materials interact within the switch leads to their distinctive characteristics. Users can expect a clear and vibrant sound when pressing the keys, alongside a rich and full auditory response upon bottoming out. This synergy ensures that, despite any aesthetic or brand differences, the performance and sound profiles of both switches can be remarkably similar, appealing to those looking for both usability and style.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, with a bottom out force of 64 grams. This makes the Tomcat switch better suited for those who favor a more substantial, tactile typing experience. Overall, the Akko switch is the lighter option, while the Bsun Tomcat switch provides a heavier push feel, appealing to different user preferences based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying if they prefer a hearty depth in their keypresses, giving a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who favor quicker actuation and snappier key presses. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference—those prioritizing short response times may opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke may prefer the Tomcat (Heavy).
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch delivers a poppy, clacky auditory experience that is quite appealing to many keyboard enthusiasts. This produces a vibrant and engaging sound profile, which makes typing both enjoyable and satisfying. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by its resonant sound profile, although specific details are less articulated. It's important to remember that the overall sound experience can vary based on the mechanical keyboard it is used with, as well as the type of keycaps applied, so both switches may present different auditory nuances in various setups.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro shines with descriptors such as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This combination results in a typing experience that is not only responsive but also comfortable for extended sessions, thanks to the lightweight actuation and minimal resistance required. The engaging feedback ensures that users feel a pleasing sensation with each keypress. In contrast, detailed qualities for the Tomcat (Heavy) haven't been provided, creating some uncertainty about its tactile characteristics. Without specific descriptors, it is difficult to compare its feel directly, leaving us without insights into whether it offers similar enjoyment or a different experience altogether.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch stands out for its lively sound profile and responsive, comfortable feel, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch presents a more ambiguous sensory experience, particularly regarding its tactile qualities. The former is ideal for those who thrive on auditory feedback and smoothness in their typing, while the latter's characteristics remain largely undefined, making it a bit more challenging to predict how it compares. If you're looking for a vibrant and enjoyable typing experience and sound, the Cream Yellow Pro is a safe bet, whereas the Tomcat’s appeal may depend on personal preferences in sound and feel, which are yet to be fully clarified.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that delivers a lighter, easy-to-press feel alongside a poppy, clacky sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams means that it requires less effort to press, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or if you prefer a more responsive and lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a heavier bottom-out force for added tactile feedback and a super smooth typing sensation, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch, with its 64 grams of force, might suit you better. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a resonant sound profile and a refined typing experience that can be particularly satisfying during long typing tasks or gaming. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you: the light and playful feel of the Cream Yellow Pro or the robust, smooth output of the Tomcat (Heavy), and choose accordingly for the best fit for your needs.
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