Bsun Olive vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Olive and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer distinct features that cater to different preferences and needs. The Bsun Olive is known for its tactile feedback and deep, resonant sound, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feel and satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is designed with gamers in mind, boasting smooth keystrokes, a pleasing bassy sound, and light actuation force for quick response times. While the Olive offers a sharp and snappy typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro provides a creamy and polished feel suited for gaming. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsunn Olive and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Olive's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound profile can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to the softer POM material. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the POM bottom housing of the Olive and the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Silver Pro also offer contrasting sound profiles. The POM material creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon material elicits a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound profile compared to the POM material. These differences in sound characteristics can significantly impact the typing experience, providing users with varied options based on their sound preference.
When considering the overall impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the typing experience, it is important to note how each material contributes to the sound profile at different points. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of selecting housing materials that align with the desired sound profile and typing experience. Whether opting for the Olive's POM housing or the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate and nylon housing, users can expect unique sound characteristics that cater to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Olive is heavier while the V3 Silver Pro is lighter. The Olive has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is considered light. The difference in weight between these two switches can greatly impact the typing experience for users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the V3 Silver Pro for extended typing sessions, while others may lean towards the heavier Olive for a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsuns Olive tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Olive has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 3.3 mm. While the difference is minimal, it may still impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may favor the slightly shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial key press might lean towards the Olive. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver 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 Olive switches are known for delivering a resonant, deep sound that is distinctly satisfying during use, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches produce a pleasing bassy sound that is specifically engineered for gamers. If you prefer a richer sound profile, the Olive switches would be more appealing, whereas the V3 Silver Pro switches offer a more high-pitched sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Olive switches are described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a medium tactile experience with a pronounced feedback and firm actuation force. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are characterized as easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and low-impact typing feel that is comfortable for long typing sessions, such as gaming or work. If you prefer a more tactile and sharp typing experience, the Olive switches would be the better choice, while the V3 Silver Pro switches provide a light and effortless typing feel.
Overall, the BSUN Olive tactile switches and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Olive switches provide a deep and resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation, while the V3 Silver Pro switches cater to gamers with their light actuation force and smooth typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound profile and typing feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two would come down to personal preference and what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Olive tactile switch or the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, your decision may depend on your preferences regarding key feel and sound. If you prioritize a tactile typing experience with a medium-weight switch that offers pronounced feedback and a deep, resonant sound, the Bsun Olive switch is likely the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking a light actuation force, ease of pressing, and a more high-pitched, smooth sound profile, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and usage scenarios.
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