Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Purple are both tactile switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its budget-friendly option with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, smooth feel, and creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple boasts a big tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is accented, bouncy, and polished, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Polaris Purple also utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, emphasizing the same qualities of sharpness and clarity in sound production. Both switches provide a similar sound experience due to their shared top housing material, offering users a consistent auditory response.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound experience when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues the trend of producing a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing material. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Polaris Purple differ in their bottom housing material, users can expect distinct sound characteristics based on the unique qualities each material brings to the switch.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Purple offer a blend of contrasting and complementary sound profiles due to their different housing materials. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for consistent sharpness and clarity in sound, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the Polaris Purple's use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing. Despite these differences, the choice of housing materials in each switch contributes to a customized sound profile that caters to individual preferences in tactile feedback and sound aesthetics.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch have different weights when it comes to actuation and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. In comparison, the Polaris Purple has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while its actuation force is not specified. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may choose the Polaris Purple for its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more shallow key press compared to the Polaris Purple, which provides a deeper key press experience. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro for faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the longer travel distance of the Polaris Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Purple 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 Purple 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
The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that pairs harmoniously with its creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple provides a snappy sound profile that complements its exhilarating tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro leaning towards a livelier feedback and the Polaris Purple offering a more snappy tone. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a bouncy and snappy typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, making it approachable to most users. Both switches offer a level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a comfortable typing experience for a wide range of users. The choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for bouncy and snappy feedback versus a milder typing experience.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cream Blue Pro leans towards a livelier sound profile and bouncy, snappy feel, the Polaris Purple provides a snappy sound profile and a milder typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, either switch can offer a satisfying tactile experience for users looking to enhance their keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch or the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a lively and clacky sound profile with a creamy, tactile sensation, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a big tactile bump for an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile, then the Polaris Purple may be the better option. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired tactile feedback to determine which switch would suit your needs best. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
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