Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) provide two distinct yet appealing options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Akko Cream Blue Pro is celebrated for its budget-friendly price and lively auditory profile, delivering a satisfying poppy and clacky sound that many typists enjoy. This tactile switch not only offers a creamy and bouncy feel but also provides snappy feedback, making it an excellent choice for users who relish enhanced audio and tactile sensations while they type. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) embraces a more subdued and refined approach, featuring a smooth keystroke and a neutral sound that leans towards the coveted "thock" sound many enthusiasts seek. With its dustproof stem designed to reduce wobble, this hall effect switch prioritizes a balanced typing experience that enhances overall performance without sacrificing tactile feedback. While both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different sensibilities—dynamic auditory engagement versus refined smoothness—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
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) share similarities in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to enhanced clarity and resonance in sound production, making it highly effective for users who appreciate distinct auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucence of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination effects when RGB lighting is employed, ensuring a visually appealing experience. Hence, users can expect comparable acoustic qualities between the two switches at the top housing level, enhancing the overall typing experience by providing clarity and brightness in sound.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Sticky Rice (V2) showcase the same choice: both switches incorporate nylon. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic which leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves more efficiently, creating a duller and rounder audio output. As a result, while the top of both switches provides a high-pitched auditory response, the bottom housing complements this with richer and more subdued sound characteristics. Users will benefit from the blend of both housing materials in each switch, where the nylon bottom enhances the sound profile during bottoming out while the polycarbonate top handles the release phase.
Ultimately, while the housing materials differ in their sound-emitting qualities—polycarbonate producing a crisp high sound and nylon offering a fuller, deeper tone—their combined effects present a unified, engaging typing experience in both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). This synergy between top and bottom housing materials illustrates how the switches can evoke distinct auditory experiences: the top polycarbonate allows for a clear, resonant sound when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom enriches the sound during typing and bottoming out. Users looking for a balanced auditory profile will find both switches effective, emphasizing the unique characteristics derived from their materials even as they serve to complement one another.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Conversely, the Sticky Rice (V2) has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means the Sticky Rice switch is more suitable for users who prefer a light touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming due to less effort required. In contrast, the heavier resistance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro may appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel while typing, offering a tactile experience that some find satisfying. Overall, while both switches have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is the heavier option, making it potentially less comfortable for prolonged use compared to the lighter Everglide Sticky Rice (V2).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the differences are quite clear. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. As such, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) with its longer travel distance may be favored by those who appreciate a deeper, more pronounced keystroke. While both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding key travel depth and responsiveness.
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 V3 Cream Blue Pro switches offer a distinctly lively auditory experience characterized by a poppy and clacky profile, which is particularly attractive to users who enjoy pronounced acoustics while typing. This engaging sound adds a fun element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) produces a more subdued yet satisfying "thock" sound, which is often favored by enthusiasts seeking a balanced auditory experience. While the inherent sound characteristics of both switches provide unique satisfaction, it is essential to note that the final sound produced can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When considering the feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro shines with its medium tactile feedback, described as accented, providing a pleasing tactile response without being overly harsh. The switches also incorporate bouncy mechanics, delivering an elastic rebound during key presses, which enhances the lively nature of each keystroke. This switch is also snappy, allowing for a responsive typing experience thanks in part to its effective spring design. Moreover, the polished finish gives them a refined and smooth feel during use, minimizing friction. The Sticky Rice (V2), while its specifics on tactile feedback are not elaborated upon, is known for its super smooth keystroke due to the dustproof stem that reduces wobble, suggesting that it offers a refined, clean typing experience that may align with the preferences of users who appreciate a seamless feel.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) exhibit different sound profiles—one being lively and the other more subdued—their tactile sensations cater to the varied preferences of typists. The Cream Blue Pro's medium tactile feel stands out with its bounciness and polished smoothness, making it dynamic and engaging, while the Sticky Rice likely offers a honed and efficient experience with enhanced stability during use. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a refined typing trio of smoothness, tactility, and responsiveness. Both switches can provide enjoyable results, but their unique characteristics may sway your decision based on your typing style and sound preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch really hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a lively and audibly engaging typing experience, characterized by a prominent tactile feedback and a delightful clacky sound, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is your go-to option. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, combined with a bouncy and polished feel, offers a snappy response that feels both engaging and enjoyable—perfect for enthusiastic typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, refined typing experience with a subtle auditory presence, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is more suited to your needs. With a light actuation force at 50 grams and a neutral sound signature, it boasts minimal wobble and exceptional smoothness, providing a tactile sensation that enhances your overall performance without overwhelming your typing rhythm. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer a bold, auditory feedback that energizes your workflow or a quieter, more understated experience that speaks to precision and comfort.
Mentioned in this article
