Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Bsun Tomcat offer distinct experiences for enthusiasts and casual users alike, each catering to different preferences in sound and feel. The V3 Piano Pro, with its long pole design, delivers a lively, snappy sound signature that brings a crisp quality to every keystroke. This model is celebrated for its smooth actuation and tactile feedback, making it an appealing choice for those who value both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat switch is engineered with Ly stems, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience complemented by a resonant sound profile. While the Piano Pro leans toward a more vibrant auditory experience, the Tomcat prioritizes a seamless, quiet operation. Each switch brings unique characteristics to the table, hinting at why one might be favored over the other based on personal 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
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
3.50 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
Nylon
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
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Bsun Tomcat, one of the most striking differences lies in their top housing materials. The V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder and less resonant auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and creates higher-pitched, crisper sound profiles. This material’s rigidity allows for a more clear and resonant output, making it especially effective in enhancing the sound produced by RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, while both switches will provide unique auditory experiences, the V3 Piano Pro is ideal for those seeking a muted, soft sound, whereas the Tomcat appeals to users who prefer sharper and more defined acoustics.
However, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, there is an interesting alignment. Both the V3 Piano Pro and the Bsun Tomcat utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a commonality in the sound profile they deliver during key presses. This shared material features the same softer characteristics that enhance the overall auditory experience with deeper and fuller sounds from the bottom-out actions. The impact of the nylon bottom housing is significantly felt in the switch's performance, as it contributes to a more subdued tactile feedback. Therefore, while users may notice variation in sound output during key release due to the differing top housing materials, the consistent use of nylon in the bottoms ensures that both switches maintain a uniformity in key press experiences.
In terms of practical outcomes, the differences and similarities in their housing materials contribute to a varied yet complementary typing experience. Key presses on the V3 Piano Pro will resonate with a soft, warm tone, while releases present a comparatively duller sound due to the nylon's absorption properties. Conversely, the Tomcat's crisper sound on the upstroke, influenced by the polycarbonate top, allows for a bright and engaging typing session. Yet, with both utilizing nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a similar tactile feedback when bottoming out. This blend of distinct top and uniform bottom housing results in a unique duality between the two models, showcasing how different materials can enhance various aspects of the typing experience while maintaining some of the same foundational feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches both offer similar actuation forces, with the V3 Piano Pro requiring 45 grams and the Tomcat also requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing feel in terms of how hard they need to press to register a keypress. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly higher requirement at 55 grams compared to the Tomcat's 54 grams. This difference indicates that while both switches are medium-light, the Tomcat will provide a marginally softer landing when keys are fully pressed down. Consequently, the V3 Piano Pro is slightly heavier overall than the Tomcat, which could make it preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing, while the Tomcat may appeal to users who favor a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The V3 Piano Pro has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that for users seeking a more responsive experience, the V3 Piano Pro is the better option, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, making it especially suitable for gamers who prioritize rapid responses. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat, with its longer travel distance, may be more appealing to those who prefer a more substantial key feel and deeper engagement when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch delivers a distinctly clacky and crisp auditory experience that is both bright and lively. Each keystroke produces a percussive sound signature that enhances the overall typing experience, creating an engaging atmosphere while you work or play. This switch’s clean and sharp sound profile offers an immersive auditory satisfaction. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is characterized as having a resonant sound profile, which, while clean and sharp, is less explicitly detailed in terms of the overall auditory characteristics. Nonetheless, it still promises an engaging typing experience, but the specific nuances of its sound compared to the V3 Piano Pro remains somewhat ambiguous.
In terms of feel, the V3 Piano Pro stands out with its multidimensional tactile qualities. Users experience a delightful bounciness, akin to a spring-like feedback that makes typing feel lively and responsive. This switch also shines with its creamy sensation, leading to an effortless gliding motion as fingers traverse the keys. The polished nature of the switch enhances its smoothness, reducing friction for a seamless key travel experience. With descriptors like silky and creamy, the V3 Piano Pro promises a typing experience that is refined and pleasingly tactile. Meanwhile, the feel of the Tomcat switch, while noted for its smoothness due to the Ly stems, lacks detailed subjective descriptors that specify its tactile feedback. This leaves a gap in understanding how it compares to the well-rounded experience provided by the V3 Piano Pro.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch boasts a lively sound and a rich tactile feel, the Bsun Tomcat presents a more muted but resonant auditory experience and a smooth typing sensation. The Piano Pro is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a vibrant acoustic environment combined with a complex tactile feedback, while the Tomcat may appeal to users who prefer a straightforward, smooth keypress. For newcomers, both switches can lead to enjoyable typing experiences, but the V3 Piano Pro is likely to offer more varied sensory engagement through its robust sound and tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and auditory desires. If you appreciate a lively, clacky sound signature coupled with a smooth and bouncy feel, the V3 Piano Pro will likely resonate with you. Its snappy auditory feedback and polished actuation provide an engaging experience ideal for both casual typing and gaming, making it a great option if you enjoy a little extra auditory stimulation with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize an ultra-smooth, buttery typing experience with a more muted sound profile, you may find the Tomcat to be the better fit. Its focus on a cream-like feel allows for effortless gliding across the keys, which could enhance your typing speed and comfort during prolonged use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the specific tactile and auditory features you value most in your keyboard experience.
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