Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Everglide Rice Pudding offer distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are celebrated for their tactile feedback and engaging sound profile, delivering a delightful, poppy clack that enhances the typing experience, making them an ideal choice for users who value auditory and tactile response. Their polished feel and bouncy action make them particularly enjoyable for typists who relish an energetic typing rhythm. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches excel in providing a smoother, more refined operation with a deep, satisfying sound, appealing to users who prefer precision and versatility in their input devices. Their unique compatibility with Wooting's keyboards further expands their desirability, especially among gaming enthusiasts looking for a tailored experience. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which lends them a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. This shared material choice ensures that users can expect a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience when typing. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances the resonance of the switches, making it particularly advantageous for RGB setups since the translucency of the material allows for vibrant lighting effects. Consequently, both switches will likely deliver comparable sound characteristics and visual aesthetics, particularly when illuminated, making them appealing for users who enjoy RGB lighting displays.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This aspect of their design creates a distinguishable difference between the impact of the top and bottom housings, as nylon is comparatively softer and absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate. As a result, while the top housings of both switches contribute to a bright sound upon key releases, the nylon bottom housings ensure a more muted and rounded auditory experience during key presses. Thus, even though both switches share similarities in their upper housing materials, their varying qualities in the lower housings serve to enhance the overall typing experience in distinct ways.
Overall, when using either the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro or the Everglide Rice Pudding, typists will find that the combination of materials plays an essential role in defining the actuation feel and sound profile of each switch. The shared polycarbonate top housing contributes to a consistent and pleasing auditory sharpness, while the nylon bottom housing provides a contrasting depth to the typing experience. Users opting for either switch can expect similar results in terms of sound clarity and resonance from the top portion, whereas the differences in lower housing materials will define the overall tactile feedback and full sound produced when pressing keys.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch present contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a moderately light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it feel neither too heavy nor too light, which can accommodate both typing and gaming well. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch offers a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, catering to those who prefer a softer push feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is the heavier option, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Everglide Rice Pudding is the lighter choice, ideal for users seeking ease of use over long periods. With these differences in actuation and bottom out forces, users will have distinct tactile experiences depending on their personal preferences and intended use cases.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, it is evident that they differ slightly. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Rice Pudding offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the V3 Cream Blue Pro the shorter option, which may appeal to users seeking a more responsive feel for quicker typing or gaming. Conversely, the longer 3.5 mm travel distance of the Rice Pudding might provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer deeper keypresses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches is characterized by a distinctively poppy and clacky tone that many enthusiasts find both engaging and lively. This audible feedback contributes to an immersive typing experience, making every keystroke feel significant and rewarding. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches deliver a deeper, more subdued sound, striking a balance that many users appreciate for its satisfying quality without being overly loud. Both switches can produce inviting auditory experiences, though the preference will ultimately hinge on whether one favors a more pronounced pop or a balanced tone.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches shine with several notable characteristics. They are accented, providing a medium level of tactility that strikes a harmonious balance between being overly aggressive and understated. The bouncy nature of these switches gives a lively sensation during typing, while their snappy responsiveness enhances overall engagement with each stroke. Furthermore, the polished finish ensures a smooth and refined experience with minimal friction. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are not as specifically described in terms of feel, leaving the tactile experience and detail somewhat unknown. However, given their reputation for smooth operation, it's implied that they also offer a notably pleasant typing experience.
In summary, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Everglide Rice Pudding switches cater to different preferences, especially regarding sound and overall tactile experience. With the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a lively auditory experience and a richly tactile feel, it's ideal for those who enjoy feedback in their typing. Meanwhile, the Rice Pudding's deeper sound and smooth operation appeal to users seeking a balanced yet precise feel. Whichever switch you choose will ultimately depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel; both have their merits and can deliver satisfying performance in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a lively, tactile experience with a pronounced, poppy sound profile, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is an excellent fit. Its medium-light 55-gram force and bouncy, snappy feel make it ideal for typists who favor brisk and responsive keystrokes, promoting a lively typing environment. This switch is also a great budget-friendly option with a polished finish that ensures smooth operation, perfect for both gaming and general use. Conversely, if you prioritize a lighter touch with a more balanced and precise feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch would be your best choice. With a bottom-out force of just 48 grams, it offers a smoother operation without sacrificing sound integrity, making it well-suited for prolonged typing sessions or those who appreciate a deeper auditory feedback. Moreover, its compatibility with innovative keyboards like Wooting’s enhances its appeal for gamers and enthusiasts seeking versatility. Ultimately, consider how you want your keyboard to sound and feel, and select the switch that complements your unique style and usage scenarios.
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