Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jwick Splash Brothers mechanical keyboard switches, it's all about the tactile versus linear experience. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a tactile sensation with its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a lively feedback paired with smoothness. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers provides a linear feel with shorter activation and a creamy sound signature, making it a great option for those who prefer a subtle and polished typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their details will help you make the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jwick Splash Brothers both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing on both keyboards produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller and rounder sound. While both keyboards share these housing materials, the way they are utilized may result in slightly different typing experiences.
However, despite the similarities in housing materials, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jwick Splash Brothers may still offer distinct typing experiences due to the distribution of the materials within the switches. The bottom housing is more impactful on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. This means that even though both keyboards feature polycarbonate and nylon housing, the way in which these materials are utilized within the switches may lead to subtle variations in typing feel and sound profile.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jwick Splash Brothers share housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp and clear sound, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the typing experience. Despite these similarities, the distribution of these materials within the switches may lead to nuanced differences in sound and feel during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these keyboards may come down to personal preference for the specific sound profile and typing experience desired.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Splash Brothers has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro's 55 grams. This means that while the V3 Cream Blue Pro may require more force to initially actuate a keystroke, the Splash Brothers will provide a lighter overall typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing feel - the V3 Cream Blue Pro providing a more medium-light touch, while the Splash Brothers offers a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, slightly shorter than the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices among gamers for their faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance could be noticeable to those who prefer a more tactile feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and how much depth and responsiveness you prefer in your typing or gaming experience.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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 switches are recognized for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that pairs well with their creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer a creamy sound signature that is unique among linear switches. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, with the Cream Blue Pro providing a more pronounced tactile sound while the Splash Brothers offering a smoother, linear sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. The keys have a lively and spring-like feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Conversely, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches are characterized as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a gentle typing experience with a light resistance, ideal for shared spaces, while still providing a responsive and lively feel with smooth key travel.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches and Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer contrasting sound and feel experiences. While the Cream Blue Pro switches excel in providing a distinct tactile sound and lively feedback with a creamy sensation, the Splash Brothers switches offer a smooth and creamy sound with a gentle and approachable typing feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, consider your preferences carefully. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a great typing feel with a creamy sound signature, the Jwick Splash Brothers could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you value tactile feedback or a linear typing experience more. So, take into account your typing style, sound preference, and desired feel to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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