Kailh Berry vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Berry switches offer a hefty typing experience with a springy feel and a chalk-like texture, producing a deep sound profile categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches from Akko stand out as a budget-friendly option that still delivers high-quality performance. These switches are praised for their unique poppy and clacky sound, smooth feel, and are categorized as creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through beautifully. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect similar auditory and visual experiences in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
On the other hand, the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro also uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the sound characteristics of nylon in their bottom housings, offering users a consistent typing experience.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split between the two housing materials allows users to feel the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on a key, while experiencing the influence of the top housing on the sound when releasing the key. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon, both switches provide distinct typing experiences that can suit a variety of needs and preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch both have medium-heavy bottom out forces, with the Berry having a bottom out force of 70 grams and the V3 Cream Black Pro having a bottom out force of 65 grams. However, the actuation force of the Berry is unknown, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams. This makes the V3 Cream Black Pro lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Berry. Actuation force is crucial as it determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Some users may prefer a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch both offer a smooth linear typing experience, but they differ in their travel distances. The Berry has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Berry switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, giving a deeper and more mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch provides a high-pitched and crisp sound that is sharp and clear. These differences in sound can significantly impact the overall typing experience, and the choice between the two would depend on personal preference regarding sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as having a textured typing experience, with noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can provide a unique tactile sensation that some users may prefer. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its creamy and bouncy feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. The polished finish of the Akko switch also contributes to a sleek and refined typing feel. Again, the preference for texture and feedback will depend on individual typing preferences.
Overall, both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Berry switch provides a deeper, bassy sound with a textured typing experience, while the Akko switch offers a high-pitched, crisp sound with a creamy and bouncy typing feel. Choosing between the two would depend on whether one prefers a low-pitched, textured typing experience or a high-pitched, smooth typing feel. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Berry linear switch or the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, you should keep in mind a few key differences. If you prefer a switch with a heavier bottom out force and a sound profile that is low-pitched and bassy, then the Berry switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a unique poppy and clacky sound profile that is high-pitched, then the V3 Cream Black Pro might be more suited to your preferences. Additionally, if you enjoy a textured typing experience, the Berry switch may be more appealing to you, while the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what characteristics are most important to you in a linear switch.
Mentioned in this article
