Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll present two distinct experiences that cater to varying preferences. The Lavender Purple Pro switches are celebrated for their higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, offering what many keyboard enthusiasts consider an engaging and delightful typing experience. They are particularly suited for those who enjoy a bouncy and snappy feel while they type, as well as the polished sound that enhances the overall keyboard experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is designed for a smoother, quieter keystroke, utilizing a Y3 stem combined with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a clacky sound. This switch is ideal for users who prefer uninterrupted, fluid key presses without the tactile feedback that comes with a bump. Each switch has compelling advantages depending on your typing style and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll, a significant distinction can be observed in the composition of their top housings. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro employs polycarbonate for its top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances clarity and resonance. This attribute makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate the vibrant sound and the visual appeal of RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll features a nylon top housing that generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience which may appeal to those who prefer a warmer sound.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll share the same material—nylon—for their bottom housings. This similarity means that when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, both keyboards exhibit the distinct characteristics associated with nylon. Users can expect a deeper, fuller sound owing to the sound-absorbing properties of the nylon material, ensuring a consistently pleasant typing experience for both models. This shared bottom housing contributes to a cohesive auditory profile when the keys are fully pressed, allowing for a satisfying tactile feedback regardless of the differing top housings.
The variances in sound produced by the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll stem from how the materials interact when the switches are engaged. When pressed, the nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel, providing depth and resonance. Conversely, when the key is released, the impact of the polycarbonate top housing on the sound becomes apparent, leading to a crisper return sound in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Thus, while the Akko enhances the keyboard's brightness through its polycarbonate top, both keyboards ultimately offer unique auditory experiences influenced by their material compositions and design choices. Users can choose based on their personal preferences for sound quality, aesthetics, and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally accessible in terms of triggering keystrokes. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience when it comes to the ease of initiating keystrokes. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Akko switch reaching a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Bsun Ragdoll requires only 52 grams to bottom out. This indicates that the Akko switch is marginally heavier overall, providing a more substantial feel when bottoming out, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Ragdoll, being lighter at the bottom out stage, may cater more to users who desire a softer and less fatiguing key press during extended use. Overall, while both switches offer a similar actuation experience, their bottom out forces highlight a subtle difference that can influence user preference based on typing habits.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which means that when pressing down on either key, you'll experience the same amount of movement from the top to the bottom. This equal travel distance ensures that users will achieve similar tactile feedback and responsiveness in their typing experience, regardless of the switch type. Therefore, both switches will provide a consistent feel, making them comparable in performance based purely on travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Lavender 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 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
The Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile that produces a delightful auditory experience when typing, enhanced by its tactile bump. This combination has garnered appreciation among keyboard enthusiasts who enjoy the blend of feedback and sound. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a clacky sound, attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which adds an interesting dimension to the auditory experience. The overall sound qualities may vary depending on factors like keyboard construction and keycap choice, but both switches can provide engaging sound profiles that appeal to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a well-rounded tactile experience; it is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This means the switch provides a satisfying tactile bump that’s notable but not overwhelming, while also delivering a springy response that enhances typing engagement. The smoothness of the switch due to quality materials or factory lubing further contributes to a refined typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is designed for smooth travel without any tactile feedback, giving it a consistent and fluid action that may appeal to users who prefer minimal interruption while typing. The feel of the Ragdoll can be expected to be less tactile and dynamic than that of the Lavender Purple Pro, presenting a different typing sensation altogether.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch each cater to distinct typing preferences with their sound and feel characteristics. The Lavender Purple Pro is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound, enhancing their typing experience with its lively and responsive nature. In contrast, the Ragdoll is suitable for users who prefer a smoother, uninterrupted travel with a clacky sound. While both switches have unique qualities that make them appealing, your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Lavender Purple Pro or the smooth, unbroken action of the Ragdoll.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch should primarily be guided by your personal preferences in typing feel and sound. If you enjoy that satisfying tactile feedback with an accented, bouncy, and snappy feel, coupled with a medium-light actuation force, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the way to go. It's perfect for those who appreciate a lively typing experience with a prominent bump that enhances both typing speed and accuracy while offering a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, uninterrupted flow when typing, then the Ragdoll linear switch is more suitable, providing a clacky sound and a buttery smooth keystroke thanks to its Y3 stem design. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force, it can deliver effortless keystrokes ideal for rapid typing without any tactile distraction. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you seek a tactile experience that is engaging and dynamic or a seamless linear feel that promotes speed and efficiency.
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