Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches with unique characteristics come to light. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is renowned for its budget-friendly appeal while still offering high-quality performance. Known for its poppy and clacky sound, these switches are exceptionally smooth and provide a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches boast a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, perfect for those looking for a seamless typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination. Both switches have their distinct qualities that cater 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
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through. However, the V3 Cream Black Pro also includes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3.
While both keyboards share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing in terms of sound profile and aesthetics, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart. The V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This creates a unique typing experience for users of the V3 Cream Black Pro, as the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a keyboard can greatly impact the typing experience and sound profile. While both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the use of different bottom housing materials results in distinct typing experiences. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound from a nylon bottom housing or a clearer and resonant sound from a polycarbonate bottom housing, both keyboards offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Black Pro is slightly heavier both in actuation force and bottom out force. The Cream Black Pro requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium range. The weight of a switch is important as it can impact typing endurance and overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3 for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the heavier Cream Black Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. While the difference in travel distance may seem small, it can make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 offers a high-pitched and poppy sound when pressed, giving a sharp and crisp auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that adds a sharp and snappy element to typing. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles, catering to different preferences in keyboard sound aesthetics.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch provides a creamy and smooth typing experience with a buttery sensation that makes keystrokes feel effortless and luxurious. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a silky and exceptionally smooth typing feel, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall typing comfort. While the Cream Black Pro switch has characteristics like bounciness and snappiness, the Lightning Silver V3 switch focuses on delivering a polished typing experience with a refined finish.
Taking all the available information into account, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch present unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched and poppy sound with a creamy and bouncy typing experience, the Cream Black Pro switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you lean towards a clacky sound with a silky and polished typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, both switches offer excellent options depending on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a poppy sound, then the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a clacky sound, then the Lightning Silver V3 could be the perfect fit. Additionally, if you prefer a creamy and bouncy feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro is the switch for you, while if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 is the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider these factors when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
