Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Meteor White offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 switches are known for their tactile feedback, providing a satisfying poppy and clacky sound profile along with a smooth tactile sensation. This makes them a great choice for those who enjoy a lively and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switches are linear and offer a more subdued typing experience with a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. These switches are easy to push and provide a softer overall feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different individuals, making them suitable for different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Meteor White, one significant difference lies in their top housing materials. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. While polycarbonate offers a more resonant and clear sound due to its stiffness, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Therefore, the choice between these two materials depends on the desired sound profile for the keyboard.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials of these keyboards, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Meteor White use nylon for their bottom housings. This classic material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. The bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, influencing the overall typing experience. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, the keyboards may still exhibit differences in sound and feel based on their design and construction.
Considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a keyboard, it is essential to recognize how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Meteor White results in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, understanding the properties of housing materials is key to selecting a keyboard that aligns with one's typing preferences and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it becomes clear that both options fall within the medium-light category. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Meteor White has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams. This means that the Meteor White requires slightly more force to bottom out compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the preferred choice, as it requires less force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more resistance may lean towards the SP-Star Meteor White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Meteor White. The Cream Blue Pro's 3.3 mm travel distance is shorter and may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, especially gamers. On the other hand, the Meteor White's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper press, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in typing or gaming experiences.
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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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, accompanied by a commendable level of smoothness, making it appealing for users who appreciate lively, audible feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is described as having a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile, offering a soft and subdued typing experience. While the Cream Blue Pro offers a more pronounced and lively sound, the Meteor White provides a more gentle and quiet typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the Cream Blue Pro is known for its accented and bouncy sensations, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming, along with a spring-like feedback when pressed. Additionally, it is described as being snappy and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, with qualities that are approachable to most users. It also provides a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a polished feel, but the Cream Blue Pro provides a more tactile and springy typing experience compared to the gentle and mild feel of the Meteor White.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Blue Pro provides a lively and tactile typing experience with a distinct sound profile, while the Meteor White offers a gentle and quiet typing experience with a soft sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, with the Cream Blue Pro catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced and tactile feel, and the Meteor White appealing to those who prefer a softer and subdued typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a lively sound profile and creamy tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be a great choice for you. The distinct poppy and clacky sound, coupled with smoothness, make these switches appealing for those who enjoy audible feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and gentle typing experience with a soft sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switches would be more suitable for you. The easy push and pitter-patter sound profile of the Meteor White switches provide a comfortable and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize a lively and tactile typing experience (Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro) or a soft and gentle typing experience (SP-Star Meteor White).
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