Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two prominent linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, it's important to weigh the unique features and qualities of each. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a distinct poppy and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream offers a hefty linear typing sensation with a deep sound profile, making it a unique choice for those who enjoy a more robust tactile feedback. Both switches have their own set of characteristics that appeal to different preferences and needs. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream, one noticeable difference lies in their top housing material. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiff nature that creates a sharp, crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream opts for a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro is best suited for those looking for a clearer and more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Moving onto the bottom housing material, another point of comparison arises between the two switches. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Similarly, the NovelKeys Cream also features a POM bottom housing, creating a pleasingly unique sound that is deep and muted. Both housing materials bring their own qualities to the switches, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the deeper sound produced by POM.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream results in distinct sound profiles for each switch. While the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro gives a fuller and deeper sound, contrasting with the POM bottom housing of the NovelKeys Cream. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound experiences based on their housing materials that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch both have an actuation force of 55 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Black Pro requires 65 grams, while the NovelKeys Cream needs 70 grams, making the latter slightly heavier. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a slightly lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a slightly heavier push feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the NovelKeys Cream switch the longer option between the two. The V3 Cream Black Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the NovelKeys Cream switch's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference 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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 is known for its high-pitched and poppy sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience that some users may find pleasing. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream offers a deeper and more resonant sound profile, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone that can be immersive and satisfying to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, with the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a higher-pitched experience and the NovelKeys Cream providing a lower-pitched and resonant sound.
In regards to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lively feedback sensation. Conversely, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is characterized as buttery, textured, and invigorating, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation with noticeable friction when pressed and pronounced feedback. Both switches aim to deliver a premium typing experience, but the V3 Cream Black Pro leans more towards a smooth and polished feel, while the NovelKeys Cream offers a mix of smoothness with a slightly textured feedback.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches both bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a higher-pitched sound and a smoother, refined feel, the NovelKeys Cream provides a deeper, resonant sound profile with a mix of smoothness and texture in the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound pitch and tactile feedback, but both switches promise a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched, poppy sound with a smooth and bouncy typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a deep, low-pitched, resonant sound with a buttery and invigorating typing feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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