Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Akko Fairy both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality design, with a distinctive poppy and clacky sound and smooth feel. On the other hand, the Fairy switches are ideal for office settings, thanks to their factory-applied lubrication for a smooth typing experience and medium weight for a satisfying press without causing fatigue. While the Cream Black Pro is characterized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', the Fairy is described as 'Polished', 'Muted', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Subtle'. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Akko Fairy differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a more vibrant display. On the other hand, the Fairy's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. Both materials offer distinct auditory experiences, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and resonance, while nylon provides a more subdued and rounded sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Fairy utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This consistency in bottom housing material between the two switches means that the typing experience will share similarities in terms of sound and feel. However, the differences in their top housings contribute to distinct nuances in the overall sound profile of each switch. Ultimately, the choice between a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound or a nylon top housing for a deeper sound will depend on the user's preferences and desired typing experience.
When considering how the housing materials impact the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed differently between the top and bottom housings of the switches. The bottom housing tends to have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This means that the use of polycarbonate for the top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro will result in a distinct sound profile when compared to the nylon top housing of the Fairy. Despite both switches featuring nylon bottom housings, the unique properties of their respective top housings create a noticeable difference in the overall typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Fairy's 50 grams, making the Fairy the lighter option. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the V3 Cream Black Pro requiring 65 grams and the Fairy requiring 60 grams. The V3 Cream Black Pro provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Fairy offers a medium feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Fairy switch may be more suitable. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Akko Fairy linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that the typing experience with both switches will provide similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback. Overall, both switches offer a consistent travel distance, making them suitable choices for users who prefer a specific amount of key travel when typing.
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 Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp noise with each press. This can be appealing to those who prefer a more distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy linear switch offers a muted and neutral sound. The muted sound profile of the Fairy switch minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for quieter work environments. The neutral sound profile of the Fairy switch provides a moderate experience that is versatile for a variety of users and settings. Ultimately, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a high-pitched sound, the Fairy offers a more subdued and gentle sound experience.
When it comes to feel, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Fairy linear switches boast polished characteristics. A polished switch indicates a smooth and refined typing experience, often due to factory lubrication or specific materials used. With both switches offering reduced friction and smooth key travel, users can expect a sleek typing sensation with each press. Additionally, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as creamy, bouncy, and snappy, providing a buttery smooth typing experience with lively feedback and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Fairy switch is characterized as mild and subtle, offering a gentle typing experience with a light resistance suitable for shared spaces. While the V3 Cream Black Pro may have a more dynamic feel with its bouncy and snappy attributes, the Fairy switch provides a comfortable and approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Black Pro switch excels in providing a high-pitched sound with a creamy, bouncy, and snappy feel, catering to users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Fairy switch delivers a muted and neutral sound along with a polished, mild, and subtle feel, making it a suitable choice for office settings and shared spaces. Ultimately, both switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience, ensuring users will receive satisfying results regardless of their preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, consider the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a unique poppy and clacky sound with smoothness, the V3 Cream Black Pro is an excellent choice, especially for budget-minded individuals seeking quality. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and value a quieter typing experience with factory-applied lubrication for smoothness, the Fairy switch would be more suitable, particularly for office settings where a quieter workspace is desired. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences in sound profile, typing feel, and intended usage to ensure the best match for your needs.
Mentioned in this article
