Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Bsun Tomcat stand out for their distinctly different characteristics and user experiences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback for typists who enjoy a more interactive experience with each keystroke. Additionally, its louder, bass-laden sound signature can be appealing for those who appreciate an audible typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch prioritizes a super smooth typing experience due to its Ly stems, which offer a seamless glide without the tactile resistance, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who seek speed and fluidity. The resonant sound profile of the Tomcat complements this smoothness, providing an engaging auditory feedback without being overly distracting. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles—whether you lean towards tactile and responsive or smooth and swift. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Bsun Tomcat both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a remarkable similarity in the auditory experience they offer. Due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, both switches produce a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This material’s translucency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, especially when RGB lighting is employed, but also enables a resonant sound experience. As a result, users can expect a vibrant quality in sound when pressing any key, making both switches perform similarly in terms of sound clarity and overall responsiveness.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Bsun Tomcat feature nylon, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller sound profile. This leads to a rounded sound experience when a user types, as nylon's softer characteristics dampen vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. While the top housing contributes to the higher tones and clarity when keys are released, the nylon bottom housing significantly influences the overall depth and acoustic warmth when keys are pressed down. Therefore, even though both switches utilize the same materials in their respective housings, their configurations lead to a balanced sound profile where the top housing enhances higher frequencies while the bottom housing enriches the lower ones.
When comparing both switches, it becomes evident that the combined properties of polycarbonate and nylon in the respective housings produce a consistent and enjoyable typing experience. The clarity from the polycarbonate top allows for dynamic RGB lighting effects, while the nylon bottom provides the necessary warmth and depth, creating an overall harmonious sound profile. Users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality from both switches, courtesy of their matching materials, although the typing experience can feel distinct based on the interplay between the differing acoustic profiles from each housing type. Thus, regardless of visual or tactile differences, the sound performance remains comparably refined.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge, impacting user experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged use, such as in office settings or extensive gaming sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, offering a somewhat heftier typing experience which some users might find more satisfying. The lighter force of the V3 switch makes it easier on the fingers, whereas the Tomcat's heavier resistance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, users seeking comfort during extended sessions may gravitate towards the Akko V3, while those who enjoy a firmer push may find the Bsun Tomcat more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch with a travel distance of 3 mm and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch at 3.6 mm, the difference in travel distance is significant. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has the shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive, which is ideal for gamers looking for quicker response times. In contrast, the Tomcat's longer travel distance of 3.6 mm offers a more substantial feel during key presses, catering to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Hence, if quick responsiveness is your priority, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, whereas the Bsun Tomcat would be preferable for users who favor a more tactile feedback experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
The Bsun Tomcat 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 V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by its loud sound signature, which leans towards a bassier pitch, providing an engaging auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch offers a resonant sound profile that also enhances the typing experience, though it is less explicitly described as loud. The sound characteristics of each switch can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard they are mounted on and the keycaps used, but both switches cater to users looking for distinct auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is recognized for its large and invigorating tactile bump, delivering a pronounced tactile response that enhances typing accuracy and gives a satisfying feedback. In contrast, the Tomcat switch is designed with Ly stems to provide a super smooth typing experience, suggesting that it may lack the pronounced tactile feedback found in the Creamy Purple Pro but excels in fluidity and ease of keypress. The choice between these two would come down to a preference for tactile feedback versus smoothness.
In summary, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a robust tactile experience accompanied by a loud, bass-heavy sound, making it appealing for those who enjoy pronounced feedback during typing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch prioritizes smoothness with a resonant sound profile, which may suit users who favor a more fluid typing experience. Ultimately, both switches deliver unique qualities, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts; thus, your choice will depend on whether you value tactile feedback or a smoother keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and prefer a lighter actuation force, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be ideal for you. With its notable tactile bump and vibrant sound signature, it’s perfect for those who like to feel and hear their typing as they work or game. This switch excels in scenarios where a clear tactile response and audible feedback are important, making it a great choice for typists and gamers who thrive on precision and engagement. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, quieter typing experience without the pronounced tactile feedback, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is the way to go. With a medium-light force and an emphasis on a silky-smooth keystroke, it’s perfect for extended typing sessions where a seamless flow is desired. The resonant sound profile adds a unique touch while maintaining a more subdued auditory presence. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s the tactile sensation and sound of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, or the smoothness and quiet operation of the Bsun Tomcat— as this will guide you in making the best decision for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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