Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Duck are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different tactile typing experiences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, along with smoothness that appeals to users who enjoy a lively and audible feedback paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck provides a more subtle tactile typing experience with gentle tactility and a clean, crispy sound profile. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them suitable choices depending on the type of typing experience you seek. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Duck, it is evident that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro differs in its choice of nylon for the bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound.
The utilization of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Duck ensures a consistent sound profile that is sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound output, making it an ideal material for the top housing of switches. However, the choice of nylon for the V3 Cream Blue Pro's bottom housing provides a different typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing absorbs less sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to nylon.
When considering the impact of housing materials on keyboard performance, it is important to recognize how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a keypress, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. While both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Duck benefit from the clarity and crispness of polycarbonate in their top housings, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's use of nylon for the bottom housing offers a different typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, compared to the Duck switch which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Duck is slightly heavier at 58 grams, whereas the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall under the medium-light to medium category, providing a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while users who enjoy a bit more resistance may opt for the SP-Star Duck for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a balance between traditional and shorter travel distances, making it a good option for those looking for slightly faster response times without sacrificing too much depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck provides a more traditional travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different feel and experience, so choosing between them would 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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 switches are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches provide a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. Both switches offer different sound profiles catering to different preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro switches being more lively and the Duck switches being more subdued.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile feel that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The keys have a lively feel with a spring-like feedback, creating a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches are described as mild, buttery, and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth and fluid keystrokes. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Cream Blue Pro switches being more lively and the Duck switches being more gentle.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are best suited for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback with a lively sound profile, while the SP-Star Duck switches are ideal for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience with a clean and crispy sound. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between the two switches to achieve a satisfying typing experience that suits your individual needs. Both switches offer quality within their respective categories, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for mechanical keyboard users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro or the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a more lively and audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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