Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between tactile options like the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and linear switches such as the Cherry MX Orange. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out for its vibrant auditory experience, offering a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that creates an engaging typing atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for those who thrive on audible feedback coupled with a satisfying tactile sensation. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches offer a smoother keystroke with a more subdued sound, providing a linear feel that many typists and gamers appreciate for its uninterrupted stroke and quick actuation. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro appeals to users looking for a lively and responsive experience, the MX Orange caters to those who prefer a sleek, quiet operation without sacrificing performance. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Cherry MX Orange switches, a distinct difference can be observed in their top housings. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic is primarily due to polycarbonate's relative stiffness, allowing for a clear and higher-pitched sound when a key is pressed. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, the choice of top housing material significantly affects the overall sound profile of each switch, showcasing how the two switches cater to different auditory preferences.
Interestingly, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Cherry MX Orange share the same material for their bottom housings—nylon. This shared characteristic means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when the key is bottomed out. The nylon bottom housing qualifies the tactile feedback and sound absorption, resulting in a notably consistent bottoming-out experience across both switches. As such, while the top housings differ, the nylon bottom brings a uniform feel in sound and feedback upon actuation, ensuring that both switches maintain a level of similarity in their overall tactile experience.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housings in the V3 Cream Blue Pro and MX Orange switches contribute to different sound characteristics, while their matching nylon bottom housings ensure a common foundation in terms of sound profile upon key press completion. Users will notice the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the polycarbonate top in the V3, particularly when releasing the keys, as the qualities of the top housing come into play. Conversely, when experiencing the Cherry MX Orange, the rounder, deeper tonal quality will prevail during both actuation and release due to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties. Ultimately, depending on whether a user prefers a crisper or fuller sound profile, these differences in housing materials create distinct yet complementary experiences between the two switch types.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch to the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it medium-light and ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the MX Orange requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. As for the bottom-out forces, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom-out force of 55 grams, indicating that the force required to press the key all the way down matches its actuation force, making it feel consistent throughout use. In contrast, the bottom-out force of the MX Orange is unknown, leaving some uncertainty about how it might feel when pressed all the way down. Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter, making it suitable for users seeking a softer touch, while the Cherry MX Orange is heavier, catering to those who favor a firmer key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the V3 Cream Blue Pro the shorter option, catering to users who prefer a more responsive feel for faster key presses, which is particularly appealing for gamers. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, with its longer 4.0 mm travel distance, provides a more substantial depth that many typists might find satisfying and comfortable for prolonged use. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that offers a quicker response and a more abrupt feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the better choice. Conversely, if you prioritize a deeper, more tactile experience, the Cherry MX Orange would be preferable.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 switch produces a distinctively lively auditory experience, characterized by a poppy and clacky sound profile that many find engaging and satisfying. This sound is particularly pronounced and adds to the overall enjoyable typing experience, catering to those who appreciate audible feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch tends to have a more subdued sound, which reflects its design enhancements from the MX2A generation. The sound of any switch can vary based on the keyboard's build, keycap materials, and even the user’s typing style, but the V3 Cream Blue Pro clearly leans toward a more exuberant soundscape compared to the relatively quieter operation of the MX Orange.
When focusing on feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches offer an accented tactile sensation, which provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overly pronounced nor overly subtle. This balance is coupled with a snappy response, attributed to a sophisticated spring design that enhances the overall typing liveliness. The polished nature of these switches contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel, creating an inviting experience for users. In contrast, while the specifics regarding the feel of the MX Orange switches are not explicitly detailed, they were originally celebrated for their tactile feedback. However, the user experience might be more muted and less responsive than that of the V3 Cream Blue Pro, particularly due to the differences in switch mechanics.
In summary, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is designed for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory and tactile experience, making it ideal for users who enjoy lively feedback during typing. Its snappy and polished feel enhances the overall engagement of the switches, while the Cherry MX Orange has a more subdued sound and feel profile, suggesting a different typing experience. Those looking for a dynamic and tactile switch experience will likely favor the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while the MX Orange might appeal to users preferring a quieter typing environment. Overall, both switches cater to distinct preferences, making them suitable in various typing scenarios.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy an engaging, audible typing experience with a tactile feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is ideal for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, coupled with its lively poppy sound and snappy feedback, makes it perfect for both casual writers and gamers looking for that extra bit of responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience that allows for uninterrupted focus, the Cherry MX Orange switch may be more suitable. The MX Orange’s refined feel caters well to those who value a linear switch's seamless key travel, making it a great choice for extended typing sessions or in environments where noise could be a distraction. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a more muted, smooth experience.
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