Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Sarokeys Purple Sakura are two popular tactile mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its poppy and clacky sound profile, smoothness, and tactile sensation, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget who enjoy lively feedback. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura stands out for its snappy response, buttery downstroke, and delicate tactility without being overpowering. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro excels in audibility and smoothness, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offers a balance between tactility and sound signature. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches are similar in this aspect, the difference in bottom housing material may result in a variation in sound profile between the two.
The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This contrast in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch may provide users with a unique typing experience, as the qualities of both materials come into play during usage. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar sound profile to the V3 Cream Blue Pro.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, their choice of different bottom housing materials, nylon, offer distinct typing experiences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon, while the Purple Sakura offers a similar sound profile with its nylon bottom housing. These variations in housing materials showcase how the choice of materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Purple Sakura is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches provide a medium level of resistance, making them suitable for those who prefer a balanced typing experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, while the Purple Sakura provides a slightly stronger push feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on the individual's personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is slightly longer than the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.2 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Cream Blue Pro offers just a bit more depth. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively feedback that is complemented by a smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch offers a mild and neutral sound signature, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The difference in sound between the two switches lies in the distinct characteristics of each, catering to different preferences based on whether you prefer a more lively and audible feedback or a subtle and neutral sound.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither overpowering nor subtle, along with a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. Conversely, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is characterized as buttery, mild, and snappy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, gentle typing sensation, and responsive feedback. The difference in feel between the two switches showcases the range of tactile experiences available, from a more bouncy and accented feel to a smoother and milder typing sensation.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Cream Blue Pro switch provides a poppy and clacky sound with a bouncy and polished feel, the Purple Sakura switch offers a neutral sound with a buttery and mild typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a more lively and accentuated feedback or a smoother and gentler typing sensation, you can choose between these switches to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance within their respective sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switches, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and a lively, clacky sound with smooth tactility, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and a buttery, snappy feel with a neutral sound signature, the Purple Sakura switches would be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing experience.
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