Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Everglide Crystal Violet
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Everglide Crystal Violet both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, as well as its smooth tactile sensation. It is a great option for users looking for a budget-friendly switch that delivers a lively, audible feedback. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet switches by Everglide provide a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow and lower-pitched sound profile. These switches are ideal for those who prefer a gentle and comfortable feel while typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Crystal Violet have different housing materials for both their top and bottom components. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Crystal Violet employs an ABS top housing, leading to a relatively low-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is translucent and ideal for RGB lighting, whereas the ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet is more common in keycaps and provides a different typing experience.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing material, known for eliciting a deep and full sound profile due to its softer nature. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro creates a duller and rounder sound, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet also contributes to a low-pitched sound profile when typing. Despite the differences in the top housing material between the two switches, the nylon bottom housing imparts similar qualities to the typing experience, ensuring a consistent sound profile regardless of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in the sound profile and feel of typing. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a combination of polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housing respectively, the Crystal Violet features ABS for both components. The different properties of each housing material contribute to a unique typing experience for each switch, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a sharper and resonant sound profile while the Crystal Violet provides a lower-pitched typing experience. Despite these variations, the common use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent depth and fullness to the sound produced by both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, making them equally medium-light in terms of force required. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of force with both switches. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as a lighter switch allows for longer typing sessions while a heavier switch provides a more substantial typing experience. In this case, both switches offer a balance between lightness and heaviness, catering to a wide range of preferences. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force with both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Crystal Violet switches.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Crystal Violet has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
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 Blue Pro switches are best described as having a distinct poppy and clacky profile, delivering a lively and audible feedback that pairs well with its creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches offer a pleasantly mellow and low-pitched sound profile, creating a subtle and non-intrusive auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches may appeal to those seeking a more vibrant and noticeable typing sound, while the Crystal Violet switches are better suited for individuals who prefer a quieter and more understated typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for providing a bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, giving users a smooth and refined typing sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Crystal Violet switches are described as creamy, mild, and stepped, offering a gentle and comfortable typing feel with a two-stage tactile feedback. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches provide a more spring-like and responsive typing experience, the Crystal Violet switches focus on delivering a smooth and buttery sensation, ideal for users looking for a softer and more relaxed typing feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are best suited for individuals who prioritize a vibrant and audible typing experience with a medium level of tactility, while the Everglide Crystal Violet switches cater to those who prefer a quieter and more subtle typing feel with a focus on smoothness and comfort. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you value a more lively and pronounced typing feedback or a softer and more relaxed typing sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a poppy and clacky sound profile with a medium-light bottom out force, along with a tactile sensation that is not overwhelming but still present, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a mellow and low-pitched sound, combined with a creamy and mild typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Everglide Crystal Violet switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
