Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider. The V3 Cream Black Pro is favored for its budget-friendly price point and impressive smoothness, offering a poppy and clacky sound that is unique and satisfying. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile that many users appreciate. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the SP-Star Duck both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for clear housings, making it suitable for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Black Pro distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer properties absorbing more sound than harder plastics like polycarbonate. The Duck, on the other hand, utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with its top housing for a consistent sound profile.
In terms of sound and feel, the top and bottom housing materials of the switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience. The V3 Cream Black Pro, with its combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings, offers a unique blend of sharp, crisp sounds from the top and a deeper, fuller sound from the bottom. This split in housing materials allows users to feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel while experiencing the top housing's influence on the release sound. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck maintains a consistent sound profile throughout its build, with both top and bottom housings made from polycarbonate. This uniformity in housing material ensures a cohesive sound experience across key presses.
While the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the SP-Star Duck share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings for a sharper, crisper sound profile, their differentiation lies in the bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing. The choice between the two would ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a more varied typing experience with its mix of housing materials, while the Duck provides a consistent sound profile throughout.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch. The V3 Cream Black Pro requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Duck switch has a lighter actuation force of an unknown amount and a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the SP-Star Duck switch, as it allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch may be more appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which would be favored by gamers looking for faster key presses. On the other hand, the Duck tactile switch provides a deeper feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial key press experience. While both switches offer a different travel distance, they cater to different preferences and needs, providing users with options based on their individual preferences.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 linear switch offers a high-pitched and sharp sound profile that can be quite distinct and noticeable during typing sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile that is clean and crispy, ideal for those who prefer a more subtle auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Cream Black Pro being more distinct and poppy, while the Duck switch provides a quieter and more understated sound.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience that offers smooth and refined keypresses. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience that is smooth and fluid. Both switches offer a buttery sensation and polished finish that result in a sleek and effortless typing experience, with the Cream Black Pro switch offering slightly more bounce and responsiveness compared to the Duck switch.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Cream Black Pro switch provides a more distinct and poppy sound along with bouncy and snappy keypresses, the Duck switch offers a more subtle and gentle tactile experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced typing experience or a quieter and understated one, both switches excel in offering quality mechanical key switches for various typing needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences and typing style, with both switches offering a high level of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, think about your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a unique poppy and clacky sound and a smooth feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a subtle tactile typing experience, clean and crispy sound profile, and a gentle feel, the Duck switch would be more suitable for you. Consider how the sound and feel descriptors align with your typing preferences to make an informed decision on which switch would best suit your needs.
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