Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a crucial role, particularly between tactile and linear options. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch renowned for its pronounced tactile bump, providing satisfying feedback with each keystroke, ideal for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. Additionally, it offers a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, making it perfect for users who appreciate auditory cues while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is a linear switch that features Ly stems designed for an exceptionally smooth typing experience, appealing to those who prioritize a quiet, unhindered keystroke without the tactile feedback. Its resonant sound profile further enhances the typing experience, delivering a distinct auditory quality that many find pleasing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your typing preferences and the sound environment you’re in; 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
30g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
64g
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 (Heavy) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, contributing to a similar acoustical signature associated with sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profiles. This is largely attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Both switches are designed with translucent materials that allow RGB lighting to shine through effectively, making them aesthetically pleasing while also catering to users who want visually striking keyboard setups. Thus, in terms of top housing, the two switches share comparable characteristics that could lead to a similar auditory experience when activated.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) employs nylon, a material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon's softness allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder and duller auditory impression. Because both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a consistent bottom-out sound and feel when typing. Therefore, despite their different manufacturers, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Tomcat (Heavy) should provide a fairly similar tactile experience due to their shared nylon material.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) have distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, the similarities lie in both switches employing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. This duality in material composition results in a harmonious balance of sound—where the clarity from the polycarbonate top complements the warmth from the nylon bottom. Consequently, even though each switch may have its unique design nuances and brand characteristics, users can anticipate analogous performance in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch with its 30-gram actuation force and 50-gram bottom out force to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, which features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, a clear distinction in weight preference emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is lighter, making it more suitable for those who favor a keyboard that allows for extended typing sessions without excessive fatigue. This lighter touch offers a more gentle keystroke, ideal for users who require speed and comfort during prolonged use. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a sturdier tactile experience, appealing to individuals who prefer a substantial feel with every keystroke. With a significantly higher actuation and bottom out force, it provides that strong push feel that heavier switch enthusiasts might seek. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference regarding typing comfort and tactile feedback, with the Akko switch being lighter and the Tomcat offering a heavier resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there is a clear distinction to be made. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shallower and more responsive option suitable for gamers who favor quicker key actuations. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, which may provide a more substantial feel and a deeper actuation for those who enjoy a traditional typing experience. While both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preference, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may feel too abrupt for some, while the longer travel of the Tomcat (Heavy) could appeal to those who appreciate a heftier tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing habits and preferences.
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 (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 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch has a loud sound signature with a bass-heavy pitch, giving it a pronounced auditory presence that can be quite satisfying, especially in a mechanical typing environment. This switch's design emphasizes sound resonance, which can enhance the overall typing experience for users who enjoy a more robust acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch offers a resonant sound profile that contributes to a smoother acoustic experience. While not necessarily quiet, the sound it produces tends to be less sharp and more subdued compared to the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, making it a good choice for those who prefer a less pronounced auditory feedback during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by a large, invigorating tactile bump that provides distinct feedback with each keystroke. This tactile sensation can enhance typing accuracy for those who enjoy being able to feel the actuation of their switches clearly. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is designed for a super smooth typing experience, devoid of any tactile feedback, which can feel seamless and fluid as you glide through keystrokes. This difference caters to two distinct preferences; some users may relish the tactile response of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while others may favor the uninterrupted flow offered by the Tomcat (Heavy).
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences suited to different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback paired with a louder, bassier sound, making it suitable for more expressive typing. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a smooth, linear experience with a quieter, more resonant sound profile that suits users seeking a fluid and less intrusive typing flow. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying results depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but the choice will significantly impact your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a noticeable tactile bump that provides feedback with each keystroke, the Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for you, especially if you prefer a lighter typing force of 50 grams. This switch not only delivers a pronounced tactile response but also features a bassy sound signature that can add a vibrant auditory element to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, more linear feel without any tactile interruption, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) could be your best bet, thanks to its heavier bottom-out force of 64 grams, which offers a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a firmer keypress. Additionally, the Tomcat's resonant sound profile makes it suitable for users who prefer a quieter, yet satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in both feel and sound, allowing you to enjoy your mechanical keyboard to the fullest.
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