Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find yourself faced with a tough decision. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that is celebrated for its lively and clacky sound profile, offering a tactile sensation that is both satisfying and smooth. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch that boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a seamless typing experience with an added touch of RGB illumination. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing.
The use of polycarbonate in both top housings of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 results in a similar sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clear, resonant sound that is ideal for both typing and gaming experiences. Despite this similarity, the choice of housing material for the bottom differs between the two switches. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3.
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is important to consider how each material impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the use of nylon in the V3 Cream Blue Pro's bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller dimension to the typing experience compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Blue Pro requires 55 grams while the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams, making the Cream Blue Pro the lighter option overall. This difference in force can affect the typing experience, with the Cream Blue Pro being more conducive to longer typing sessions due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a medium level of force which may provide similar results in terms of typing comfort and key responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively close travel distances, with the Lightning Silver V3 being slightly longer than the Cream Blue Pro. In terms of feel, the Cream Blue Pro may feel slightly more responsive due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers for its quick key presses. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deeper press for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, providing users with options to suit their preferences for gaming or typing needs.
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 Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback for users who enjoy a vibrant sound while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, creating a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches bring their unique sound qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in terms of sound profiles.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering users a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility, lively feel, and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is characterized as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Cream Blue Pro offers a more tactile and bouncy feel, the Lightning Silver V3 focuses on delivering a silky smoothness to enhance the overall typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches each bring a unique set of qualities to the table. The Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively and tactile typing experience with a distinct sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate a balance of feedback and smoothness. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 focuses on delivering a smooth and silky typing experience with a clacky sound signature, catering to users who prioritize a seamless and responsive feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched, clacky sound and a silky smooth typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what suits your personal typing style and preferences the best.
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