Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro offer distinct experiences for users to choose from. The Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that delivers a poppy and clacky sound profile, paired with a smooth and tactile sensation, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate audible feedback and a creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Pro is a linear switch with a fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience. While the Cream Blue Pro is accented and snappy, the Crystal Pro is bouncy and polished. These general pointers can help you decide which switch aligns better with your preferences; 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, it is clear that they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and clear sound profile associated with polycarbonate.
The differences in bottom housing material between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro have a noticeable impact on the overall typing experience. With the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro, users can expect a switch that produces a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro maintains a sharper and clearer sound profile, contributing to a more precise and defined typing experience. Despite their different bottom housing materials, both switches share the qualities of polycarbonate in the top housing, resulting in similar sound characteristics when pressing down on the keys.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro share the use of polycarbonate in the top housing, their differing bottom housing materials lead to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro maintains a sharper and clearer sound. These differences in housing materials result in unique typing feels and sound profiles for each switch, providing users with options to suit their preferences in both aesthetics and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing feel. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro features a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a medium typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro for longer typing sessions, while users seeking a more substantial feel may opt for the V3 Crystal Pro. Overall, both switches provide a balance between actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for users based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Therefore, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Crystal Pro. The V3 Crystal Pro with its 3.8 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro's 3.3 mm travel distance may offer a quicker response time, which could be preferred by gamers. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market, catering to different preferences for keypress feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a quick response or a more solid feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is renowned for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively auditory experience that is complemented by a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro switch stands out with a bright and chirpy sound signature due to its polycarbonate construction, providing a smooth typing experience. In terms of feel, the Cream Blue Pro switch is characterized by its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, offering a balanced tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still responsive. Similarly, the Crystal Pro switch shares the bouncy and polished attributes, providing a spring-like elastic feedback and a sleek typing experience. Overall, while the Cream Blue Pro and Crystal Pro switches may have different sound profiles, they both offer a satisfying tactile experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more audible and tactile experience with the Cream Blue Pro or a smoother, chirpier feel with the Crystal Pro.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Cream Blue Pro if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a lively, audible feedback and creamy, tactile sensation. These switches are ideal for those looking for quality within a budget and enjoy a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, choose the Crystal Pro if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a chirpy sound signature and silky smooth typing experience. These switches stand out with their fully polycarbonate construction, offering a unique sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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