Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Kailh Sage are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that offers a lively and audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch known for its heavy weight and sharp clickiness, providing a different typing experience for those who prefer a more invigorating feel. Both switches have their strengths and unique characteristics that appeal to different users. 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
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Kailh Sage feature polycarbonate top housings, which create 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 especially suitable for switches that utilize RGB lighting. While both switches share this characteristic in their top housings, it is worth noting that the overall sound profile may differ slightly based on other factors such as stem design and housing shape.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Sage's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing material can significantly impact the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, providing a unique typing experience. While the top housing may have a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience.
In summary, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Kailh Sage offer distinct characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles and typing experiences. The use of polycarbonate in the top housings creates a sharp and clear sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro enhances the depth and fullness of the sound. Understanding how each housing material affects the overall typing feel and sound output can help enthusiasts choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, while the housing materials may differ, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kailh Sage clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Kailh Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a more consistent typing experience with a lighter initial press but requires more force to bottom out, whereas the Kailh Sage offers a more substantial typing feel overall due to its higher bottom out force. Both switches have their own advantages, with the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro being more suitable for longer typing sessions, and the Kailh Sage providing a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we can see that the Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sage has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Cream Blue Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers who require fast key presses. On the other hand, the Sage provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced key feel. Both switches have their own advantages based on their travel distances, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and intended use.
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 Sage 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switches provide a crunchy typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are characterized as having an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming or subtle. The Kailh Sage switches, on the other hand, offer an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with a pronounced feedback and firm actuation force. The Sage switches give a more intense tactile feedback compared to the Cream Blue Pro switches, providing a different typing sensation for users to enjoy.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Kailh Sage switches have their unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Cream Blue Pro switches offer a lively and audible feedback with a smooth, creamy tactile sensation, while the Sage switches provide a crunchy sound profile with sharp clickiness and a strong tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch or the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a smooth, tactile sensation and a lively, audible feedback, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice. The distinct poppy and clacky sound profile of these switches, combined with their medium-light bottom out force, make them appealing for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier clicky typing experience with a sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage switches with their medium-heavy bottom out force may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences and the sound and feel you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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