Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray mechanical keyboard switches, two distinct preferences emerge. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, offers a unique poppy and clacky sound profile coupled with smoothness, making it ideal for users who appreciate a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray, a linear switch, provides a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Cream Blue Pro is known for its accentuated and snappy feel, the Polaris Gray is praised for its low-pitched and mild characteristics. In general, choosing between the two may rely on personal preference and typing style. 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
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for light to shine through the housing. While both switches have this material in their top housing, they may differ in other aspects.
In terms of their bottom housing material, the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like the top housing, creates a sharp and clear sound profile. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing.
While both switches may have polycarbonate in their top housing, the difference in their bottom housing material can lead to unique typing experiences. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the sound and feel differently. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Understanding the role of each housing material in a switch can help enthusiasts choose the right option for their preferences in terms of sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro requires 55 grams, while the Polaris Gray needs 67 grams. This makes the Polaris Gray the heavier option in terms of bottom out force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more medium-light typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray provides a medium-heavy typing experience, appealing to those who seek a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience one is looking to achieve.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Polaris Gray has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, especially gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Polaris Gray may provide a more satisfying feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch boasts a clean and clacky sound profile, providing a bouncy typing experience. The Akko switch may be more high-pitched and lively, while the Polaris switch offers a more neutral and thocky tone, suitable for various typing preferences. It's essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is characterized as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile sensation with a prominent amount of tactility. The keys provide a spring-like feedback and a smooth, refined finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. Both switches offer a polished finish for reduced friction and an enhanced typing feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch stands out for its lively and audible feedback, paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, making it ideal for users who appreciate a vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch offers a clean and bouncy typing feel, suitable for those who prefer a more gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both options promise a satisfying mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch might be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard.
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