Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves debating the merits of tactile versus linear designs. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch stands out with its pronounced tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, offering a delightful and engaging typing experience that many users crave. This switch is perfect for typists who appreciate feedback on their keystrokes, providing an "Accented," "Bouncy," and "Snappy" feel that enhances accuracy and satisfaction in each hit. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch caters to those who prefer a smoother, linear action devoid of tactile feedback. Its Ly stems create a seamless keypress experience complemented by a resonant sound, making it ideal for gamers or those who type at swift speeds. Both switches offer compelling advantages depending on personal preferences; the Lavender Purple Pro enhances the tactile experience, while the Tomcat ensures fluidity and speed. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Bsun Tomcat both utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly influences their overall sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, characteristic of a stiffer plastic. This stiffness allows the switches to resonate clearly, making them especially desirable for users who enjoy the ability to customize their setups with RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. Since both models share this polycarbonate top housing, users can expect similar aesthetic benefits and sound clarity when comparing the two.
In contrast to their top housings, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material. The characteristics of nylon contribute a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that tends to absorb more sound compared to harder alternatives. This inherent quality of nylon results in a duller and rounder sound, augmenting the overall typing experience. Although both switches utilize the same materials in the same configuration—polycarbonate on the top and nylon on the bottom—this balance of materials ensures that the switches deliver complementary auditory experiences where the top emphasizes clarity and the bottom adds depth.
While the housing materials are identical for both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Tomcat, it is important to recognize the distinct contributions each material makes to the overall sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing projects a bright, resonant sound while the nylon bottom housing softens this with a warm, muted richness. The effective combination of these materials means that both switches will ultimately yield similar auditory results, though individual preferences may vary based on the tactile feedback and sound produced upon actuation and bottoming out. Users can confidently choose either model for a balanced sound experience, whether they prioritize the visual effects of RGB or the acoustic performance of the nylon bottoms.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch exhibit similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces slightly differ, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro having a bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Tomcat's 54 grams. This means that while both switches offer a comparable typing experience in terms of actuation, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro requires a marginally heavier force to fully depress. Both switches are considered medium-light, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the Akko switch is just slightly heavier when fully bottomed out, appealing more to those who enjoy a little extra resistance, while the Tomcat remains slightly softer, potentially offering a more effortless feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a distinct difference to consider. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tomcat switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're seeking a switch that offers a deeper keypress, the lavender switch may provide a more substantial experience, which some users prefer for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Tomcat’s shorter travel distance can enhance responsiveness, making it potentially better suited for fast-paced gaming as it allows quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference: go for the 3.8 mm V3 Lavender Purple Pro if you enjoy a more pronounced depth and tactile feedback, or opt for the 3.6 mm Tomcat if you favor a quicker response.
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 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 Lavender Purple Pro exhibits a higher-pitched acoustic profile that can be quite satisfying during typing sessions. This characteristic contributes to an engaging auditory experience, especially for those who appreciate a prominent ping when the keys are struck. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches are noted for their resonant sound profile, which could indicate a deeper, more robust tonal quality when pressed. While both switches offer enjoyable sounds, the specific qualities will ultimately depend on factors such as the keyboard build and the type of keycaps used; therefore, users can achieve satisfying results with either switch, tailored to their preferences.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out with a tactile bump that strikes a balance between being accentuated yet not overwhelming, creating a "medium tactile" sensation that many find pleasing. Its bounciness adds to the experience, providing a lively feedback with a spring-like responsiveness, ideal for a dynamic typing experience. The snappy nature of the switch helps it register keystrokes swiftly, promoting efficient typing. Additionally, the polished finish enhances the overall smoothness, reducing friction for effortless key travel. In contrast, information regarding the feel of the Tomcat switches remains less defined; however, the smoothness of their Ly stems is indicative of a potentially refined typing experience, albeit without specific descriptors provided.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Bsun Tomcat switches offer unique characteristics that can cater to different user preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a tactile, bouncy, and snappy feel coupled with a pleasing high-pitched sound, creating an overall enjoyable typing experience. While the Tomcat’s feel is not explicitly detailed, its smoothness suggests a focus on comfort. Ultimately, users can expect satisfying tactile and auditory feedback from either switch; the choice between them would depend on individual tastes in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the specific typing experience you're seeking. If you appreciate a satisfying tactile feedback with a more pronounced bump, the Lavender Purple Pro is the way to go. Its medium-light actuation force combined with a higher-pitched sound profile creates an engaging and lively typing experience that is perfect for both typing and gaming. Moreover, the subtle bouncy and snappy feel adds to the responsive nature of your keystrokes, making it ideal for users who enjoy tactile feedback without being overwhelmed. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat is your best bet. It features Ly stems that provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, perfect for those who focus on speed and fluidity, particularly for gaming or long typing sessions. Both switches are excellent choices within the medium-light category, but your decision should hinge on whether you value tactile feedback or a seamless linear feel more.
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