Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Red, a linear switch. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is favored for its budget-friendly quality, boasting a poppy and clacky sound profile combined with smoothness, making it ideal for those who value audible feedback and tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with responsiveness and auditory depth. Each switch has its unique characteristics and strengths, catering 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
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 Red both feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for the top housing of a switch, especially when using RGB lighting.
On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red features a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound while typing. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the difference in top housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profiles. The MX Red's nylon top housing provides a classic feel and sound, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a more modern and clear sound experience. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
While both switches share similarities with their use of nylon for the bottom housing, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro's inclusion of polycarbonate for the top housing sets it apart from the Cherry MX Red. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro enhances the switch's sound profile by creating a sharper and crisper sound, which is ideal for users looking for a more modern and clear typing experience. In comparison, the Cherry MX Red's nylon top housing provides a classic typing feel with a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them relatively light in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a bit more resistance when fully pressed compared to the Cherry MX Red, whose bottom out force is unknown. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a balance between a comfortable typing experience and tactile feedback, whereas the MX Red is known for its smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump. Overall, if you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the better choice, while the Cherry MX Red would be suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the MX Red's 4 mm travel distance. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a more responsive typing experience, making it a preferred choice for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the MX Red switch's longer travel distance may offer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a more deliberate keypress for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with each offering unique advantages based on their respective travel distances.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 switches are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, which offers a lively and audible feedback to users. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switches are characterized as thocky and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound experience that adds a satisfying auditory depth to typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro offering a more poppy sound and the MX Red providing a deeper thocky sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a tactile sensation that is creamy and smooth. These qualities provide a satisfying typing experience that is responsive and lively. On the contrary, the Cherry MX Red switches are noted for their textured feel, offering noticeable friction when pressed. This texture may appeal to users who prefer a slightly rougher typing experience compared to the smoother feel of the Cream Blue Pro.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches and the Cherry MX Red switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cream Blue Pro switches provide a poppy and clacky sound with a smooth and tactile feel, the MX Red switches offer a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to customize their typing experience accordingly. Both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but users should consider their individual preferences when selecting the right switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you value a budget-friendly option with a lively, audible feedback and a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile for a robust typing experience, the Cherry MX Red switch is worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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