Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko V3 Silver Pro are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for users. The Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, smoothness, and tactile sensation, making it a great option for those who value lively feedback and a creamy feel. On the other hand, the Silver Pro is a linear switch designed for gamers, with effortless keystrokes, pleasing bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance, ideal for gaming scenarios where speed is crucial. Both switches have their distinct qualities and appeal to different preferences, but ultimately, the choice between them depends on your specific needs and 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both models. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. The similarities in top housing material between the two models ensure that users can expect a consistent sound experience regardless of the color variant they choose.
However, where the keyboards differ is in their bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a nylon bottom housing, while the V3 Silver Pro also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, giving users a different typing experience depending on the model they choose. Despite the different color options, both keyboards maintain a level of consistency in the typing feel and sound due to the shared bottom housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko V3 Silver Pro plays a significant role in shaping the typing experience for users. While both models share a polycarbonate top housing to offer a sharp and clear sound profile, the use of nylon in the bottom housing creates variations in the sound and feel of typing. Whether users prefer a crisper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, both models provide a unique experience that caters to individual preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials contribute to the overall performance and aesthetics of the keyboards, making them stand out in the market.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, we can see a difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 40 grams. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is also higher at 55 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall. The V3 Silver Pro, on the other hand, offers a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation and bottom out force. Depending on individual preferences, some users may prefer the lighter feel of the V3 Silver Pro for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the more substantial feel of the V3 Cream Blue Pro for a more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom, allowing for similar typing or gaming experience. The tactile feedback of the Cream Blue Pro switch may provide a different sensation compared to the linear Silver Pro switch, but in terms of travel distance, they are equal. This ensures that users can expect a consistent key press feel regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is known for its unique poppy and clacky sound profile, providing users with a lively and audible feedback that is paired with a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a pleasing bassy sound with each effortless keystroke, making it specifically engineered for gamers who value a smooth and somewhat deeper sound. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, catering to different preferences in sound profiles.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile sensation with a lively, spring-like feedback and a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is known for being easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, offering a light actuation force, smooth and buttery typing feel, and reduced resistance while typing. While the Cream Blue Pro switch focuses on a balanced tactile experience, the Silver Pro switch emphasizes a comfortable and effortless typing sensation, ideal for prolonged gaming sessions.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and V3 Silver Pro switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a poppy and clacky sound with medium tactile feedback, or a bassy sound with a light actuation force and smooth typing experience, both switches provide distinct advantages for users seeking quality switches within a budget. Depending on your personal preferences and typing needs, you can expect similar levels of quality and satisfaction from either the Cream Blue Pro or Silver Pro switches, ensuring a rewarding typing experience overall.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your priorities. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile accompanied by smooth tactile feedback, the Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize a keyboard switch specifically engineered for gaming with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick keystrokes, the Silver Pro is the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value the tactile sensation and audible feedback of the Cream Blue Pro or the light actuation force and gaming-focused features of the Silver Pro. Both switches have their unique strengths, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and needs.
Mentioned in this article
