Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jwick Taro. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, offering a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile coupled with smooth tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro boasts a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the Cream Blue Pro is described as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Taro is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Buttery', and 'Stepped'. Both switches have their unique qualities that appeal to different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jwick Taro, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housing creates a clear and resonant sound that is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. The nylon bottom housing on both keyboards offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound overall. While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the two keyboards, they each contribute unique sound qualities to the typing experience.
However, despite the differences in housing materials between the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Taro, the overall typing experience may not vary significantly. Both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, providing a similar sharp and crisp sound profile. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing on both keyboards elicits a deeper and fuller sound, creating a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality. While the impact of each housing material may differ in terms of bottom-out sound and feel versus sound when releasing a key, the distinct qualities of polycarbonate and nylon are present in both keyboards, resulting in comparable sound profiles.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jwick Taro may come down to personal preference in terms of aesthetics and typing feel. The polycarbonate top housing on both keyboards offers a sharp and clear sound profile ideal for RGB lighting, while the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users may find that one keyboard's housing materials better suit their typing style. Overall, both keyboards offer a high-quality typing experience with unique qualities brought by their respective housing materials.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Taro has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a more balanced feel between actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a medium-light tactile switch. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being lighter and the Taro being heavier.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Taro switch has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper keystroke, the Taro switch would be the better option. However, if you prefer a faster response time and a shallower travel distance, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the minor difference in travel distance may impact the feel for some users.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 switch offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is accompanied by a commendable level of smoothness, creating a lively and audible feedback sensation that pairs well with its creamy, tactile feel. On the other hand, the Taro switch provides a cozy, subdued typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility that produces acute and crisp clacks. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is characterized by its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities. This means that users can expect a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming, a spring-like or elastic sensation when typing, super responsiveness, and a smooth, refined typing experience due to possible factory lubing or high-quality materials used. On the other hand, the Taro switch is described as buttery and stepped, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a mild, two-stage tactile sensation that provides some pre-travel and/or post-travel feedback. Both switches provide a unique tactile experience that can cater to different preferences based on the user's typing style and preference for tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Jwick Taro switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different user preferences. While the Cream Blue Pro provides a poppy and clacky sound with a creamy, tactile feel, the Taro offers a cozy typing experience with acute and crisp clacks. Similarly, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel qualities, while the Taro boasts a buttery and stepped tactile sensation. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that can provide a satisfying typing experience for users based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when selecting between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jwick Taro tactile switches, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, along with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, along with a snappy tactility and cozy typing experience that provides a buttery and stepped sensation, then the Taro switches would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what keys features resonate with your typing style and preferences.
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