Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style, which makes the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro two compelling options to consider. The Cream Black Pro, a linear switch, is tailored for users who prioritize smooth keystrokes and minimal resistance, making it an excellent choice for rapid typing, gaming, or those who prefer a quiet experience punctuated by a satisfying pop and clack. Its sound profile is bright and snappy, appealing to those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback. Conversely, the Creamy Purple Pro, characterized as a tactile switch, offers a pronounced tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with every keystroke, catering ideally to typists who thrive on that responsive sensation. Its bass-heavy sound signature delivers a powerful auditory presence, perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. Both options serve distinct preferences; however, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can determine the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro share a commonality in their housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing in both models. This choice leads to a distinctly crisper, higher-pitched sound profile associated with polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which enhances resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for users who prefer RGB lighting, as it allows for optimal light diffusion and illumination through the key switches. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate top housing contributes to a modern and sleek appearance that is appealing in a gaming or office setup.
On the other hand, both switches also incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a rich and full-bodied sound profile. The properties of nylon contribute to a warmer typing experience, as the material’s softer texture absorbs more sound compared to the harder polycarbonate used in the top section. This combination of polycarbonate and nylon ensures that when typing on either switch, users experience a blend of tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction—crisper notes on keypress release from the polycarbonate top and deeper tones upon bottoming out due to the nylon bottom.
If one were to analyze the differing impacts of these materials, one would find that the characteristics of each housing material complement each other seamlessly. In both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, the polycarbonate top housing sharpens the sound during release, while the nylon bottom housing rounds out the auditory feel at the key's lowest point. Thus, even though these two models possess the same materials for their housings, users can expect a consistent experience in terms of sound profile and typing feel, regardless of which model they choose.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinct actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, ideal for users who prefer a gentler touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This significant difference in weight means that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, favorable for those who enjoy a less strenuous keystroke, while the V3 Cream Black Pro is better suited for typists who appreciate a firmer push. Overall, users looking for a more pronounced tactile experience may gravitate towards the heavier switch, whereas those favoring comfort and ease might opt for the lighter one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro comes in at a shorter 3 mm. This makes the Creamy Purple Pro the more responsive option, aligning with the preferences of gamers who favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times. In contrast, the slightly longer distance of the Cream Black Pro may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced feel when pressing a key, providing a sense of depth that some users might find preferable. Therefore, if you value responsiveness, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the way to go, but if you prefer a fuller typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro offers that longer travel distance.
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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches deliver a unique auditory experience characterized by a high-pitched, poppy, and clacky tone. This sharp and crisp sound resonates particularly well for those who prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches feature a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, ideal for users seeking a more pronounced auditory experience with deeper tones. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, but it's essential to remember that a switch's sound can also be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches offer a creamy, polished typing experience that is smooth and buttery, likely due to factory lubrication. This characteristic allows for effortless gliding across the keys, providing a pleasant sensation with every keystroke. Additionally, the bouncy and snappy qualities of these switches give users an engaging and lively typing experience, offering a satisfying rebound with each press. On the other hand, the tactile nature of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches, characterized by an invigorating tactile bump, promises a different type of engagement. However, the specific feel qualities of the Creamy Purple Pro are yet to be detailed, making a direct comparison challenging.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches cater to different sound and feel experiences, they each have their unique strengths. The Cream Black Pro excels with its high-pitched sound and smooth, bouncy feel, making it a top choice for those seeking a lively typing experience. Conversely, the Creamy Purple Pro offers an engaging tactile bump and a louder, bassy sound, appealing to users who appreciate tactile feedback and deeper auditory characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your individual preferences for sound and feel, but both can provide enjoyable keypress experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, consider your personal preferences in typing feel, sound signature, and usage context. If you appreciate a heavier key feel and prioritize smoothness along with a higher-pitched, crisp sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro is an excellent choice. Its creamy, polished action is particularly well-suited for fast typing and gaming, offering both responsiveness and a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy tactile feedback with a distinct bump to enhance your typing rhythm, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will likely appeal to you. With its bassier sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, this switch can make typing feel more engaging and rewarding, especially if you enjoy the sensation of a tactile bump beneath your fingers. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific typing style and desired auditory experience, ensuring you have the best possible setup for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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