Kailh BCP vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the details can significantly affect your typing experience. The Kailh BCP switch stands out with its unique blend of bounciness and clacky sound, reimagining the beloved Black Cherry Pie switches with a creamy and elastic feel that eliminates the hassle of disassembly. Ideal for those who enjoy a lively interaction with their keyboard, the BCP offers a poppy auditory feedback that can make typing more enjoyable. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro emphasizes a snappy sound signature accompanied by a smooth actuation, making each keystroke feel crisp and polished. This switch not only delivers a resonant sound but also provides a silky-smooth typing experience perfect for long sessions of both work and play. While both switches cater to fans of linear typing experiences, they do so in distinct ways that can greatly influence user preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh BCP Linear

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh BCP and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are both crafted from nylon, a well-regarded choice in the mechanical keyboard community. This commonality in material underscores the importance of nylon in achieving a desirable typing experience. Both switches are constructed with nylon top and bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon—being a softer plastic—allow it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder materials, resulting in a rounded acoustic quality that many users find appealing. Therefore, users can expect similar auditory experiences when typing on both switches due to their identical use of nylon.

While both the BCP and V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon for their housing components, the combination and arrangement of these materials can lead to subtle differences in user experience. Since the sound attributes are influenced by the specific roles of top and bottom housings during key presses, any variation in design details—such as the shape or thickness of the housing—could affect how pronounced the sound dampening and tactile feedback feel during use. Despite sharing the same material, these design nuances might create slight differences that can be perceptibly felt or heard while typing, although the general sound profile resulting from nylon remains consistent across both switch types.

In essence, the similarities in housing material mean that both the Kailh BCP and Akko V3 Piano Pro can deliver similar sound outcomes when engaged in a typing session. With both switches designed using nylon for their top and bottom housings, users can anticipate a comparable experience in terms of auditory depth and sound absorption. However, exploring the specifics of each switch’s design could reveal unique characteristics, which might cater to individual preferences in tactile feedback and sound perception, creating a nuanced, yet fundamentally similar, typing experience across both models.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, significant differences emerge that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Kailh BCP switch features an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means that users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions will find the V3 Piano Pro more suitable, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience will likely prefer the heavier BCP switch. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight each switch's unique appeal, catering to varying user preferences in mechanical keyboards.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch have an equal travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on these keys. Since both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom, they provide a comparable feel in terms of key actuation and overall responsiveness. This uniformity in travel distance allows for consistent typing and gaming experiences, making either switch a suitable choice for those who prefer a linear switch profile.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the Kailh BCP and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches share a distinctly clacky profile, producing sharp and snappy tones upon actuation. The BCP switch lends itself to a poppy and lively sound, while the V3 Piano Pro ups the ante with not only a clacky tone but also a resonant quality, which can create an immersive auditory experience. While both are crisp and bright, the added resonance in the V3 Piano Pro may offer a fuller sound signature, enhancing the overall typing experience further depending on compatible keyboards and keycap choices.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP excels with its bouncy and creamy characteristics, providing a spring-like feedback that encourages an engaging typing rhythm. The buttery smoothness associated with the BCP ensures a pleasant tactile sensation with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro also delivers a creamy feel, complemented by polished and silky sensations that capture a refined typing experience. This switch’s nuanced smoothness reduces friction, further enhancing the ease and grace of each press, potentially making the typing experience feel even more luxurious and fluid.

In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer a compelling combination of clacky sound and an enjoyable typing feel, though the V3 Piano Pro features additional resonant qualities that could elevate its auditory appeal. Both switches provide a creamy typing experience, with the BCP focusing on bounciness, while the V3 Piano Pro emphasizes a fully polished and silky touch. Ultimately, while there are unique aspects to each switch, users seeking auditory delight and smooth tactile feedback will find both options appealing depending on personal preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Kailh BCP linear switches and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches depends on your typing preferences and specific use cases. If you lean towards a medium-heavy feel in your typing, enjoy a bouncy and elastic feedback, and appreciate a pronounced clacky sound, the Kailh BCP switches might be the right pick for you. They offer an engaging auditory experience while providing a lively and responsive feel, which can enhance your overall typing pleasure, especially for typing and gaming activities that require rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a medium-light actuation force, along with an exceptionally smooth, silky, and polished typing experience, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches would likely suit your needs better. Their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation make them a delightful choice for both extended typing sessions and gaming, where quick movements and effortless feedback are crucial. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your tactile and auditory preferences, allowing you to enjoy your mechanical keyboard to the fullest.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more