Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and Akko V3 Piano Pro are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Dragon Fruit is celebrated for its pronounced tactile feedback, offering a satisfying bump with each press due to its long pole stem design. Paired with a clacky sound signature, this switch provides a lively and engaging typing experience that appeals to tactility enthusiasts. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a crisp quality to each keystroke. With a range of categories such as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp' for the Dragon Fruit and 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', 'Silky' for the Piano Pro, there are distinct characteristics that make each switch unique. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Akko V3 Piano Pro play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate material's stiffness results in a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches excel in creating unique sound profiles based on their housing materials.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Dragon Fruit and the Piano Pro feature nylon materials, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon in the bottom housing of these switches absorbs sound, resulting in a softer and rounder sound when typing. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch is noticeable, showcasing the importance of housing materials in creating a satisfying typing experience. Overall, the similarities in their bottom housing materials suggest that users can expect comparable sound profiles when typing on both switches.
The combination of different housing materials in the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Akko V3 Piano Pro provides users with a diverse typing experience. While the Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharp and resonant sound, the Piano Pro's nylon top housing offers a deep and full sound profile. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing of these switches allow for a nuanced typing experience, with each housing material contributing to the overall sound profile. Whether it's the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound or the top housing on the sound when releasing a key, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience on these switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, one can see that they both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a similar initial typing experience. However, the Dragon Fruit has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Piano Pro's 55 grams, making it slightly more substantial to press all the way down. This means that the Dragon Fruit switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing, whereas the Piano Pro switch might be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and how much force one prefers in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. In this case, the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Dragon Fruit. However, both switches offer a similar feel when pressed and users can expect comparable results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Dragon Fruit has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dragon Fruit for $3.83.
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 BSUN Dragon Fruit switch offers a clacky sound signature that produces a sharp and distinct sound when pressed, adding to its overall lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is known for its snappy sound signature, which gives each keystroke a crisp and bright quality. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience that enhances the typing sensation, although the Dragon Fruit switch may appeal more to those who enjoy a louder and more pronounced sound.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is described as offering an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, with a prominent bump at each press that provides a satisfying typing sensation. This switch also provides a snappy and responsive feel due to its design, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is characterized by its bouncy and creamy feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that is enhanced by a spring-like feedback sensation. The Piano Pro switch offers a different tactile experience compared to the Dragon Fruit, appealing to those who prefer a softer and more rebounding feel.
Considering the information provided, it is clear that both the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit switch delivers a clacky sound and sharp tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience, while the Piano Pro switch offers a snappy sound and creamy feel, providing a smooth and bouncy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel, as both switches excel in different aspects of the typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for the typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced tactile bump and clacky sound, the Dragon Fruit may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother actuation with a medium-light bottom out force and a snappy, bouncy feel accompanied by a resonant sound, the V3 Piano Pro could be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it's important to consider what you value most in a keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Dragon Fruit and V3 Piano Pro switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or smoothness and actuation force in your typing experience.
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