Kailh Berry vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinctive features that set them apart. The Berry switch offers a linear typing experience with a springy feel and chalk-like texture, providing a deep and bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch from Akko is known for its budget-friendly yet high-quality tactile feedback, with a poppy and clacky sound profile alongside smoothness and a creamy sensation. While the Berry switch caters to those who prefer a textured and low-pitched typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch appeals to users seeking an accentuated, bouncy, and snappy feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 spring
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro use polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. This material choice enhances the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke.
In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This material choice impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, creating a more cushioned typing experience compared to the top housing.
While both the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro share similar polycarbonate top housing materials, the difference lies in their nylon bottom housings. Despite the varying bottom housing materials, the overall typing experience of these switches will remain consistent due to the split qualities brought by each housing material. The distinct sound profiles created by the top and bottom housings complement each other, offering a well-rounded and satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
Weight
The Kailh Berry linear switch does not have a specified actuation force but requires a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the V3 Cream Blue Pro, as the actuation force is lower than that of the Berry. On the other hand, the Berry may be more suitable for those who enjoy a heavier push feel while typing. Both switches offer different weighted experiences, catering to individual preferences for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Berry being slightly longer than the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Berry switch with its slightly longer travel distance, while those who want a more abrupt and responsive feel may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 tone, giving off a deep and rich sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing users with a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Berry delivering a deeper tone and the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a more lively and tactile sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as featuring a textured typing experience, giving users a noticeable friction when pressed. This texture adds a layer of feedback to the typing process, providing a different feel compared to smoother switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is known for its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. These switches offer a medium tactile sensation that is not overwhelming, along with a spring-like rebound when pressed, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
Taking all the available information into account, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offer users distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Berry provides a deep and rich sound with a textured feel, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro delivers a lively and audible feedback with an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished tactile sensation. Users looking for a more bass-heavy and textured typing experience may prefer the Berry, while those seeking a lively, tactile feedback with a smooth and refined feel may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring users will get a satisfying typing experience based on their desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a springy, chalk-like texture with a deep sound profile, the Berry switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a poppy, clacky sound profile and a smooth, bouncy, and snappy tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch might be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience you enjoy the most.
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