Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red are two fantastic options to consider. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a linear switch best known for its unique poppy and clacky sound, smoothness, and budget-friendly price point. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a similar typing experience to the MX Red but with the added benefit of operating silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is characterized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. Both switches have their own advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a switch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red, we see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for increased sound absorption, ultimately creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material ensures a consistent typing experience between the two switches, with a focus on providing a satisfying sound profile for users.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate material while the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes nylon. Polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. This difference in top housing material showcases the unique sound profiles that can be achieved with varying housing materials.
Overall, while the bottom housing materials of both switches are the same, the contrasting top housing materials highlight the role that housing material plays in the sound profile of a switch. Whether utilizing polycarbonate for a crisper sound or nylon for a fuller sound, each material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is heavier than the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Black Pro requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the 45 grams of the MX Silent Red. Additionally, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the Cherry MX Silent Red's bottom out force is unknown. These differences mean that the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the MX Silent Red offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of these switches. However, the V3 Cream Black Pro is the shorter option, offering slightly less travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. This may result in a slightly faster response time for users. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Overall, both switches offer similar performance in terms of travel distance, and the choice between the two may come down to personal preference.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 is characterized by a high-pitched, poppy and clacky sound when pressed, offering a crisp and sharp auditory experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch produces a muted, thocky sound profile that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an excellent choice for those in noise-sensitive environments. The difference in sound between the two switches lies in their distinct characteristics, with the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a more noticeable and lively sound compared to the quiet and soft sound of the MX Silent Red.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch provides a creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with a spring-like feedback that is both responsive and refined. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, indicating noticeable friction when pressed that may or may not be preferred depending on personal preference. The V3 Cream Black Pro switch offers a smoother and more polished typing experience overall, while the MX Silent Red switch provides a distinct tactile feedback due to its textured nature.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel qualities of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences and needs. The V3 Cream Black Pro excels in producing a high-pitched and lively sound with a smooth and responsive feel, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a more vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the MX Silent Red offers a quiet and textured sound profile, coupled with a distinct tactile feel, making it perfect for those seeking a quieter typing experience with a unique feedback sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a high-pitched and smooth typing experience with a satisfying poppy sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you are on a budget. On the other hand, if you prioritize a muted and quiet typing experience with a slightly heftier feel, the MX Silent Red is a great option, particularly if you are in a noise-sensitive environment. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what matters most to you when making your decision.
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