Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch, one can see distinct differences in their sound profiles and tactile sensations. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and audible feedback that is paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is known for its innovative semi-silent design, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is more accented and bouncy, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is subtler and buttery in comparison. Each switch has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing composition. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a more absorbing quality for a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of sound and feel, the housing materials of the V3 Cream Blue Pro and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that enhances the sharp and resonant sound profile, the distinction lies in their nylon bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro adds a deeper and fuller sound, impacting the overall typing experience when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a similar typing sensation, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, their nylon bottom housings offer distinct qualities that shape the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with the V3 Cream Blue Pro or a more absorbing and rounder sound with the Semi-Silent Linear, the housing materials of these switches play a vital role in determining the final typing sensation.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear needs 62 grams, making it the heavier option. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a medium resistance. Both switches have their own advantages; the lighter actuation force of the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be preferred for longer typing sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Semi-Silent Linear may suit those looking for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. As such, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the slight variation may provide a different typing experience for users. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 tactile switch presents a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is lively and audible, paired with a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offers a subdued sound profile that is whisper-quiet on top-out and clacky on bottom-out, providing a more subtle sound signature. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being more vibrant and the Semi-Silent Linear being more understated.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility, spring-like feedback, responsiveness, and a smooth key travel. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a middle-ground zone of sound and feel, smooth and fluid keystrokes, and reduced friction. Both switches excel in different aspects of feel, catering to users who prioritize tactility and responsiveness (V3 Cream Blue Pro) or a smooth and gentle typing experience (Semi-Silent Linear).
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer contrasting yet appealing sound and feel qualities. The V3 Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a vibrant and tactile typing experience with a lively sound profile, while the Semi-Silent Linear shines in offering a more subdued and gentle typing experience with a quieter sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, but rest assured that both options offer top-notch performance within their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a lively and audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you appreciate a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear is a better choice. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, so think about what matters most to you in a keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style and environment to ensure a satisfying typing experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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