Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko Cream Black Pro V3 switches are ideal for budget-conscious individuals seeking a high-quality typing experience. Known for their distinctive poppy and clacky sound, these switches are exceptionally smooth and provide a bouncy and snappy feel. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine switches boast resonant and clacky notes, with an impressive factory lube job that ensures each keystroke is silky smooth. While the Cream Black Pro V3 offers a creamy and polished typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) differ in terms of their top housing materials. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) comes with a POM top housing, producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a unique sound experience.
In contrast, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize nylon bottom housings. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that provides a deep and full sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, both switches benefit from the qualities of nylon in their bottom housing, offering a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality.
While the top and bottom housings of the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Strawberry Wine (V2) differ, the impact of each housing material is split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials, with the V3 Cream Black Pro emphasizing a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) delivers a deeper and more muted sound profile with its POM top housing.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is heavier than the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Black Pro requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, resulting in a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) only needs 45 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would be the more suitable choice. Conversely, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be preferred. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to all users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Strawberry Wine switch may provide a more satisfying feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press depth.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 is characterized by a high-pitched and crisp sound, which offers a sharp and distinct auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound profile that is sharp, bright, and immersive. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that can enhance the typing experience, with the Cream Black Pro leaning towards a higher pitch and the Strawberry Wine offering a more percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its creamy and bouncy typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with a lively rebound when pressed. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy and polished, ensuring a refined and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a silky typing feel that enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience, with the Cream Black Pro focusing on a creamy and bouncy feel while the Strawberry Wine leans towards a silky smoothness.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches each offer a unique set of subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Black Pro excels in providing a high-pitched and creamy typing experience, the Strawberry Wine stands out with a clacky and silky smooth sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer exceptional qualities that can elevate the mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you value in a switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, then the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and appreciate a clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth feel, then the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch could be the one to go for. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles, so it's important to consider what you prioritize in a switch before making your decision.
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