Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for enthusiasts are the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Cherry MX Orange. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is celebrated for its impressive blend of quality and affordability, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users looking for a satisfying typing experience. Its unique poppy sound and smooth actuation offer a delightful tactile feedback, characterized as creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, and snappy. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches bring a legacy of quality with their reissue by Cherry, showcasing enhancements that meet the demands of modern gamers and typists alike. While both switches are linear, the MX Orange offers a more subdued sound profile, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance. Each switch has its strengths, offering distinct sound and feel properties that cater to different preferences among users. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Cherry MX Orange, there are notable differences that influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffer nature aids in producing a clear and resonant audio experience, making it particularly suitable for setups that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The soft nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a softer and more muted auditory response compared to the brighter tones of polycarbonate.
Examining the bottom housing, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Cherry MX Orange use nylon, resulting in a commonality that enhances their overall acoustic performance. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deep and rounded sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity indicates that despite their differing top housings, which create contrasting sound profiles, the shared nylon material in the bottoms allows for a cohesive acoustic quality that enhances the bottom-out experience. Consequently, users would find that both switches offer a satisfying and rich sound when bottoming out, tying together the two different sound signatures created by the top housings.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches results in unique yet somewhat comparable experiences. The divergence in top housing materials means that while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro will deliver a crisper sound on release due to its polycarbonate design, the Cherry MX Orange will provide a softer auditory landscape thanks to its nylon construction. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing which ensures that the depth and fullness of sound are preserved in their bottoming-out behavior. This interplay of materials ultimately allows for a layered typing experience, where users can appreciate the distinctive qualities of each switch while also enjoying a consistent auditory sensation on key presses.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch both share the same actuation force of 55 grams, making them equally suited for users looking for a consistent keystroke feel. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the V3 Cream Black Pro has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel upon full depression, while the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unknown. This unknown aspect means that it’s impossible to assess how it might compare in terms of resistance when the switch is fully pressed down. Consequently, the V3 Cream Black Pro can be seen as the heavier option, as its bottom out force adds extra resistance. Users seeking a lighter typing experience for extended sessions may prefer the shared actuation force but should be aware that the increased bottom out force of the V3 may lead to a more substantial typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch boasts a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference means that the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a shorter and potentially more responsive experience, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses, whereas the MX Orange provides a deeper feel that some users might prefer for a more traditional typing experience. If you're looking for swift response times, the Akko switch would likely suit your needs better, while the Cherry MX Orange is ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced key travel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or depth in your keystrokes.
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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 are known for their high-pitched, poppy, and clacky tones. This sound profile produces a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that many users appreciate, especially if they prefer a lighter, more vibrant sound over a deeper, bass-heavy experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches do not have a specific sound description available, making it challenging to compare their auditory characteristics directly. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by any switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
In the realm of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches are celebrated for their creamy texture, delivering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This is often attributed to either factory-applied lubrication or the materials used in the switch design, resulting in a sensation that feels luxurious and effortless. Additionally, these switches feature a bouncy characteristic, providing an elastic feedback that enhances the lively feel of each keystroke. The switch's polished nature further contributes to this smoothness, giving users a refined experience as they type. On the other hand, there is no available information regarding the feel of the Cherry MX Orange switches, leaving users to explore them independently for their tactile qualities.
In summary, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switches offer a distinct auditory experience marked by their high-pitched sound and a remarkably plush typing feel characterized by creaminess, bounce, and polish, making them a compelling option for those seeking high quality without breaking the bank. While the Cherry MX Orange switches lack detailed descriptions in terms of sound and feel, they have a reputation that suggests they are well-engineered and could provide a solid, albeit different typing experience. Ultimately, if sound and feel are priorities for you, the V3 Cream Black Pro is a clear standout, while the Cherry MX Orange offers an opportunity to explore an established brand’s legacy with potentially differing qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended use. If you are looking for a switch that offers a more pronounced auditory feedback with a unique high-pitched sound and a creamy, bouncy, and snappy feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro is ideal for you. Its 65-gram actuation force provides a satisfying tactile feedback, making it a great option for avid typists and gamers who appreciate a lively and energetic typing experience. However, if you prefer a more subdued sound profile and are drawn to the historical heritage of Cherry switches, the MX Orange could be the choice for you. It is intended for those seeking a reliable switch with enhanced refinements suitable for both typing and gaming, offering a smoother experience preferred by many professional users. Ultimately, both switches have their unique advantages, so consider your preferences in typing feel, sound, and actuation force when making your decision.
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