Kailh Berry vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro are two popular options to consider. The Kailh Berry switch is known for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, chalk-like texture, and deep sound profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more textured and bassy typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch stands out for its budget-friendly price point and offers a combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smoothness, catering to those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 spring
Housing materials
While both the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro have polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, the key difference lies in their bottom housings. The Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to the switch. Nylon is known for being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound experience as the Berry.
When comparing the overall experience of typing on switches with different housing materials, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Both the Berry and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro showcase this split quality, with the polycarbonate top housing defining the sharp and clear sound on release, and the nylon bottom housing contributing to the deeper and fuller sound on press.
In conclusion, the use of different housing materials in the Kailh Berry and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches highlights the unique sound profiles that can be achieved. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for sharp and crisp sound, their nylon bottom housings provide individual characteristics such as a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to the user. The Kailh Berry has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lower actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Kailh Berry for its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with options to choose according to their preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those who prefer a slightly deeper press may opt for the Kailh Berry. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is relatively small, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow 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 considering sound, the Kailh Berry linear switches offer a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a deep and mellow sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches are known for producing a poppy, clacky sound right out of the box, giving a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will depend on personal preference, as factors such as keyboard choice and keycaps can also influence the overall sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switches are noted for their textured typing experience, providing noticeable friction when pressed which can be preferred by some users for a more tactile feel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches offer an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, with gentle resistance during key presses and minimal force required to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the bouncy and snappy nature of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches gives a lively and responsive feel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Berry linear switches and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Berry switches provide a springy and chalk-like typing experience with a deep sound profile, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches deliver a smooth and easy-to-press feel with a poppy and clacky sound. Whether you prefer a textured and heavy typing experience or a smooth and light typing feel, both switches have qualities that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience, providing satisfying options for any keyboard enthusiast. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a springy and textured typing feel with a deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry switch with a bottom out force of 70 grams may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and easy-to-press switch with a poppy, clacky sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch with a bottom out force of 60 grams could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
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