Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Kailh Plum mechanical keyboard switches offer two distinct tactile experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its budget-friendly option that delivers a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, coupled with smooth tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum stands out for its unique heaviness without a pronounced tactile bump, providing a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. While the Cream Blue Pro excels in delivering a bouncy and polished typing experience, the Plum offers a mild and stepped tactile sensation. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
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
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Kailh Plum both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a visually appealing glow. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Kailh Plum differ in their bottom housings, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Plum also uses nylon but absorbs more sound for a duller and rounder sound.
While both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Kailh Plum share the same polycarbonate top housing, they diverge in terms of their bottom housings. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Kailh Plum's nylon bottom housing also offers a similar effect by absorbing more sound, leading to a rounder and duller sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Despite this difference, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique housing materials.
The impact of housing materials on the typing experience is clear when comparing the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Kailh Plum. While both switches offer a similar polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of each switch contributes to a distinct sound sensation. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing delivers a deep and full sound, while the Kailh Plum's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a different tactile feel. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in these switches creates a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Plum tactile switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter in terms of force compared to the Plum switch, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of use. On the other hand, the Plum switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique advantages based on individual preferences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being lighter and the Kailh Plum being heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, we see that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm while the Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Plum tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. The V3 Cream Blue Pro falls on the shorter side of the spectrum with a 3.3 mm travel distance, making it a good choice for those looking for a quicker response time. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, which some users may prefer for a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a lively and audible feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch offers a neutral sound profile that is pleasant and enjoyable. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them will ultimately depend on the user's personal taste in sound experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium level of tactility. In contrast, the Kailh Plum switch provides a mild and stepped tactile sensation that is gentle and approachable for most users. Both switches offer a unique tactile experience that caters to different typing preferences, so individuals should consider their preferred level of tactility when choosing between the two.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch and the Kailh Plum switch each offer distinct sound profiles and tactile sensations that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cream Blue Pro switch delivers a lively and tactile typing experience, the Plum switch provides a more neutral and mild tactile sensation. Whether you prefer a more pronounced sound profile or a gentler typing experience, both switches offer high-quality performance within their respective characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch or the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it's important to weigh your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and overall feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique switch with a neutral sound profile and mild feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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