Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options are the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding, each catering to unique preferences and needs. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, known for its budget-friendly appeal, delivers a poppy and clacky sound that many users find engaging, along with a smooth and satisfying typing experience. This linear switch is characterized by its creamy, high-pitched tones, bouncy feel, and polished performance, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more responsive and tactile interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a distinct advantage with its hall effect design, providing a satisfying deep sound and smooth operation. These switches create a balanced typing experience that is both precise and enjoyable, while also being compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, presenting enthusiasts with an opportunity for performance and versatility. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize the lively engagement of the Akko V3 or the smooth reliability of the Rice Pudding. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Everglide Rice Pudding switches share similar housing materials, both featuring polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which enhances clarity and resonance when typing. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it optimal for RGB lighting setups, allowing light to pass through effectively and create visually striking effects. As a result, users can expect a similar aesthetic and auditory experience from both switches when illuminated by RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic choice that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer characteristic of nylon absorbs more sound than its stiffer counterparts, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. This material's ability to mitigate sound resonates particularly well when performing key presses, as it dampens the noise created on bottoming out and contributes to the overall feel of the switch. Consequently, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and Everglide Rice Pudding will deliver comparable tactile experiences due to the consistent use of nylon in their bottom housings.
The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Everglide Rice Pudding means that users can expect a blend of sharper and fuller sound profiles, capitalizing on the unique properties of these materials. While the top housing enhances the sound during key release, the bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel when bottoming out, allowing each switch to embody distinct yet complementary auditory experiences. The synergy of these materials results in a harmonious typing experience that is similar across both models, demonstrating how well-matched housing can yield a cohesive and enjoyable feel for users.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, significant differences can be observed in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and reaches a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch boasts a much lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch and potentially longer typing sessions without fatigue. The distinct disparity in weight highlights that the V3 Cream Black Pro is designed for users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing, while the Rice Pudding caters to those who prioritize comfort and ease. Thus, because they differ substantially in both actuation and bottom out forces, users will have varied experiences based on their preferences for switch weight.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in distance may influence your typing or gaming experience, with the Cream Black Pro providing a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the preferable choice, as shorter distances are often associated with faster actuation. In contrast, the Rice Pudding, with its longer travel distance, might cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper keystroke, offering a more traditional experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is the better option, whereas the Everglide Rice Pudding might satisfy those who prefer a more substantial keypress.
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 Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 produce a distinctive high-pitched poppy and clacky noise, which can be invigorating for users who enjoy an audible confirmation when typing. This sound profile makes them quite engaging, especially in a lively typing environment. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are known for delivering a deeper sound, striking a balance between auditory satisfaction and subtlety. This makes them appealing for users who favor a more rounded auditory experience. While both switches offer different sound characteristics, keep in mind that the final audio output can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches excel with their creamy and polished texture, providing a smooth, buttery sensation that glides effortlessly under the fingers. Additionally, they exhibit bounciness, which contributes to a lively and responsive typing experience that’s especially enjoyable for fast typists. The snappy feedback adds another layer of immediacy, making each keypress feel deliberate and precise. The feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, however, is not defined in the provided information, leaving their tactile experience somewhat of an unknown. Since the V3 Cream Black Pro showcases multiple appealing tactile qualities, it might cater better to users seeking an engaging typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer unique sound profiles and experiences that cater to different preferences. While the V3 Cream Black Pro excels in providing a high-pitched auditory experience alongside a creamy, bouncy, and polished feel, the Rice Pudding switches, although lacking detailed tactile descriptions, promise a deep sound and compatibility with advanced keyboards. As a newcomer, your choice may ultimately depend on whether you prioritize the distinct auditory stimulation and engaging touch of the Cream Black Pro or the versatile qualities of the Rice Pudding switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a heavier key feel, enjoy a unique poppy and clacky sound profile, and appreciate a creamy, smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is likely your best option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams provides a tactile feedback that some users find satisfying for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a fall into a more delicate typing experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding may be the ideal choice. With a bottom out force of only 48 grams, its smooth operation and satisfying deep sound are perfect for those who might prefer a quieter and more plush typing feel, especially on Wooting keyboards. In summary, your selection should align with whether you favor the weight and distinct sound of the V3 Cream Black Pro or the finesse and versatility of the Rice Pudding switches.
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