Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, and the TKC Tangerine, a linear switch, both offer unique experiences for users. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback coupled with a smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Tangerine stands out for its incredibly smooth feel, making each keystroke a pleasure to type. The UHWMPE housings of the Tangerine contribute to this smoothness, setting it apart in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. While the Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a unique tactile experience, the Tangerine shines in its smooth linear feel. 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
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TKC Tangerine switches, both switches have unique properties that contribute to their sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch utilizes a UHWMPE top housing, offering a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. While both materials provide distinct sound characteristics, the polycarbonate housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro leans towards a clearer sound, while the UHWMPE housing of the Tangerine produces a brighter sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro uses a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile with its softer and sound-absorbing properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound quality when typing on switches with nylon housing. In contrast, the Tangerine switch incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, which also offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. The use of UHWMPE in the bottom housing of the Tangerine switch contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch, providing a unique typing experience with bright and clear tones.
Although the top and bottom housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the TKC Tangerine switches differ, both switches aim to offer unique sound profiles to enhance the typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine offers a bright sound signature. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine contributes to a bright and resonant sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch to the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it's evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Tangerine's unknown actuation force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro also has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Tangerine has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it slightly heavier. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Tangerine offers a slightly heavier typing feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the TKC Tangerine linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro would provide a quicker response time for gamers who prefer a shorter travel distance, while the TKC Tangerine would offer more depth for those who enjoy a longer travel distance. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro leaning towards speed and the TKC Tangerine towards a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 tactile switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that pairs well with its creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is described as producing a high-pitched clack when typing, offering a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro being more lively and audible, while the Tangerine is characterized by its high-pitched sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is noted for its accented and bouncy tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming yet still noticeable. Additionally, its polished finish enhances the typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Its buttery keystrokes provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation, further enhanced by a polished finish for smooth key travel. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Cream Blue Pro providing a more tactile and bouncy feel, while the Tangerine offers a frictionless and buttery keystroke.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively and audible sound profile coupled with a tactile and bouncy typing experience, while the Tangerine offers a high-pitched clack sound and a frictionless, buttery feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, both switches offer excellent options for enhancing your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Tangerine switch with its UHWMPE housing is the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so think about what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
