Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, to the Cherry MX Black, a linear switch, it's important to consider the key characteristics of each. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is lauded for its budget-friendly yet quality performance, offering a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile with a smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black boasts Cherry's renowned Hyperglide tooling, providing a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile. While the Cream Blue Pro is categorically described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the MX Black is known for being low-pitched, textured, and stiff. Each switch has its own unique appeal, making it a matter of personal preference when deciding between the two. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Cherry MX Black, we see that the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, while the Cherry MX Black uses nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Black provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both housing materials offer unique sound profiles, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate is ideal for those who prefer a crisper sound, while the Cherry MX Black's nylon housing caters to those who enjoy a deeper typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Cherry MX Black use nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded sound when typing on the switches. The relatively softer plastic composition of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller but more satisfying typing experience. While the choice of bottom housing material may not be as noticeable as the top housing in terms of sound, it still plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall typing feel and sound of the switches.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Cherry MX Black offer users distinct sound profiles to cater to their preferences. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, the Cherry MX Black's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent deep and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a clear and resonant sound or a duller and rounder sound when typing, these housing material choices provide unique options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to personalize their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, the main difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a substantial bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more robust typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push when typing would likely prefer the Cherry MX Black switch for a more satisfying typing experience. In terms of weight, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter overall, while the Cherry MX Black is heavier due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the MX Black's 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the MX Black's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial key press experience. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offers a distinct and lively sound profile with a creamy, tactile sensation that is accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch provides a deep sound profile with a classic textured smoothness. While the sound profile of the Cream Blue Pro is unique and lively, the MX Black offers a more traditional low-pitched typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Cream Blue Pro switch provides a bouncy and polished typing experience, while the MX Black switch is known for its textured and stiff feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as they offer different sound and feel characteristics. However, for those who prefer a smoother and more traditional typing experience, both switches will provide similar results in terms of quality and durability.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a lively and audible feedback combined with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy switch with a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black switches with Cherry's Hyperglide tooling would be a better fit for your typing preferences. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs in the mechanical keyboard community.
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