Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Cherry MX Purple RGB present two compelling yet distinct options for users seeking a tactile experience. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out for its vibrant poppy and clacky sound profile, which, combined with its buttery smooth feel, makes for an engaging typing experience ideal for those who cherish audible feedback in their keystrokes. Additionally, this switch is budget-friendly, perfect for users looking for performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are designed for a more refined tactile sensation, featuring a shorter and medium-strength bump that has been fine-tuned in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts. This makes the MX Purple RGB a great choice for users who prioritize precision and subtlety in their feedback while still enjoying the tactile experience typical of Cherry MX switches. Each option offers unique advantages, so whether you lean towards the lively character of the Akko V3 or the polished performance of the Cherry MX Purple, it’s essential to understand their specific attributes. 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
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
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which distinctly affects their auditory characteristics. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prioritize a clear and resonant sound when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for more vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it particularly appealing for gamers or users who enjoy customizable backlighting. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB relies on a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, thereby producing a deeper, fuller auditory experience. The sound profile of the MX Purple RGB is characterized by a more subdued and rounded tone, which can provide a more pleasant typing experience for users preferring less sharp feedback.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in similar sound qualities in this aspect. Nylon is traditionally recognized for its sound-absorbing properties, contributing to a deeper sound profile in both switches. Consequently, regardless of the differences in their top housings, when users press down on either switch, they will feel the effects of the nylon material, which dulls the impact sound and provides a more muted auditory feedback. This similarity in bottom housing material creates a shared foundation for the users' sound experience, ensuring that both switches feel more rounded and full when bottoming out.
The combination of a polycarbonate top housing in the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and a nylon bottom housing, juxtaposed with the Cherry MX Purple RGB's all-nylon construction, results in varied but complementary experiences. While the V3's sharper top housing may appeal to users seeking brighter sound feedback when releasing keys, the more muted character of the MX Purple RGB offers a consistent auditory experience throughout both keypress and release. Ultimately, users can expect distinct sound profiles from both switches, determined by their top housing materials, but will find sufficient synergy in the bottom housing's qualities, resulting in a nuanced typing experience across both options.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch present an interesting comparison when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience a similar resistance when pressing a key to register a keystroke. However, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that it requires slightly more pressure to press the key all the way down compared to the actuation point. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown, leaving it unclear how it would compare in that regard. Overall, the Akko switch is the heavier option when considering the bottoming out experience, which may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Meanwhile, both switches would offer a similar actuation experience, making the V3 Cream Blue Pro a possibly better choice for extended periods of typing or gaming due to its defined force characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, there is a clear distinction. The V3 Cream Blue Pro boasts a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the shorter of the two options, making it more appealing for gamers who seek quicker response times. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB's longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a tactile and immersive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you value responsiveness (with the shorter V3 Cream Blue Pro) or a more traditional depth (with the longer Cherry MX Purple RGB).
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 switches produce a notably lively auditory experience characterized by a poppy and clacky tone. This sound profile is particularly satisfying for users who enjoy pronounced acoustic feedback while typing, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who appreciate an engaging auditory sensation. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, while known for their tactile feedback, typically exhibit a more subdued sound. They can produce a less pronounced ambiance, aligning them with users who might prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile responsiveness. It's worth noting that the overall sound can still vary based on the specific keyboard and keycap choices you use.
Regarding feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches shine with their medium tactile sensation. They feature accented tactility, which strikes a balance between being noticeably tactile and not overwhelming, allowing for comfortable typing sessions. The keypresses feel snappy, reflecting their responsive nature, likely attributed to their longer springs, contributing to a lively typing experience. Additionally, these switches have a polished finish, which translates to smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing overall performance. Meanwhile, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches do provide tactile feedback, specific details about their feel are less emphasized, leaving unknowns in terms of their overall responsiveness. However, since they are designed for a tactile experience, they likely aim for a comparable, enjoyable sensation in general typing tasks.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches cater to specific user preferences, albeit in different ways. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a vivid sound profile and an engaging tactile feel that appeals to those who thrive on active feedback. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB switches appear to focus on a refined tactile experience but remain somewhat ambiguous in comparisons of sound and feel. As such, while they may exhibit individual characteristics, both switches can potentially yield similar enjoyable results, with sound and feel being influenced by personal preferences and hardware setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches, you should consider your typing preferences and what experience you're seeking. If you enjoy an engaging typing experience filled with an audible, poppy sound and tactile feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is an excellent choice. This medium-light switch boasts a smooth feel with a pronounced tactile bump, making it ideal for casual typing and gaming alike, especially if you enjoy the lively nature of a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more refined and subtle tactile experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is worth considering. While its exact bottom-out force is uncertain, it offers a short, medium-strength bump that is designed for a more controlled and precise feel. Its subtlety makes it suitable for long typing sessions and focused work, where a crisp feedback experience is desired without the louder noise levels of the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preference for sound, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience to ensure maximum comfort and satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
