Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu 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 SP-Star Yanyu, a linear switch, stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its budget-friendly yet quality build, offering a poppy and clacky sound profile alongside a smooth tactile sensation, appealing to users who enjoy both audible feedback and a creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is favored for its delicate typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions with its crisp sound profile. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its accented and bouncy feel, the Yanyu is described as neutral and mild. Both switches offer unique characteristics to cater 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
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Yanyu features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which offers a pleasant and brighter sound. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, the Yanyu's blend bottom housing also contributes to a pleasant sound profile on the brighter side. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different housing materials.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu, they both aim to optimize sound quality in different ways. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Yanyu's unique blend top housing offers a pleasant and brighter sound. In terms of bottom housings, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Yanyu's blend bottom housing also contributes to a pleasing sound profile. Both switches offer a variety of sound experiences based on the materials used in their housing.
While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu have different housing materials, they both strive to enhance the overall typing experience for users. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's use of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials results in a sharper and fuller sound, while the Yanyu's unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a pleasant and brighter sound profile. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to optimize sound quality and provide users with an enjoyable typing experience. By utilizing different housing materials in their design, each switch offers a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, while the Yanyu has a light bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke, but has a heavier bottom out force. The Yanyu, on the other hand, is lighter in both aspects. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Yanyu more suitable, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is 3.3 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Yanyu has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. The difference may not be significant, but it could impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Generally, shorter travel distances are favored by gamers for faster response times, while longer travel distances provide a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile that provides an audible and lively feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer a crisp sound profile that is described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a more lively feedback and the Yanyu providing a more delicate typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a tactile sensation that is not overwhelmingly tactile yet not scratchy. These switches offer a bouncy and responsive typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switches are described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle and light typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. Both switches provide a unique feel that caters to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and key travel.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches excel in providing a distinctive sound profile paired with a smooth and tactile typing sensation, making them an excellent budget-friendly option for users who appreciate audibly satisfying switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switches offer a delicate and light typing experience with a crisp sound profile, making them ideal for users typing for extended periods of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Similar results can be achieved with both switches, but the decision ultimately boils down to personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a tactile and clicky typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and smooth linear typing experience with a lower bottom out force, the Yanyu switch would suit you better, especially for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel characteristics that align most closely with your typing style and preferences.
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