Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro each provide distinct characteristics catering to different preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch, is lauded for its easy-to-press action and smooth performance, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively auditory experience; its poppy and clacky sound adds a vibrant touch to typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Creamy Purple Pro presents itself as a tactile option with a prominent bump and a rich, bass-heavy sound profile, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback during keystrokes. While the Cream Yellow Pro offers a polished and snappy feel ideal for fast-paced typing, the Creamy Purple Pro's bouncy and invigorating tactile response can enhance the overall typing experience for enthusiasts who relish that tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are remarkable for their ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other materials. This is largely due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which adds clarity and resonance to the sound produced when typing. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the appearance of RGB lighting effects but also reinforces the notion that both switch variations are designed with visual appeal in mind. As a result, users of either switch can expect similar auditory outcomes when it comes to the highs produced during key releases, which is particularly advantageous for enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is made from nylon, which is widely recognized as a classic material for switch housings. This nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience when bottoming out on the keys. While both switches share this nylon bottom housing, the interaction between the two materials—polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom—creates a balanced acoustic experience. Users can find comfort in knowing that despite the aesthetic and branding differences, the sound experience offered by each switch remains consistent due to the effective collaboration of both housing materials.
When combined, the polycarbonate top housing's crispness and the nylon bottom housing's fullness deliver a nuanced acoustic profile that is characteristic of the Akko V3 series. Even though the top and bottom housings differ in terms of material properties, their compatibility ensures that the qualities of each material contribute to an overall harmonious typing experience. Users will feel the nylon's rich, deeper tones as they press down on the keys, while the polycarbonate's brightness takes center stage during release. Thus, despite the distinct colors and branding of the Cream Yellow and Creamy Purple switches, they ultimately deliver similar typing sound profiles, catering to the diverse preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch exhibit distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different user preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch, which may appeal to users looking for a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Creamy Purple Pro offers a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, attracting those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. While the Cream Yellow Pro provides a firmer response, the Creamy Purple Pro delivers a more delicate feel with its reduced forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on whether the user desires a heavier or lighter switch feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Cream Yellow Pro offers a deeper keystroke experience compared to the Creamy Purple Pro, which might appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Creamy Purple Pro may be more suitable for gamers looking for quicker response times and more immediate feedback during gameplay. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more responsive action, the Creamy Purple Pro could be the better choice, while those who favor a deeper keystroke may lean towards the Cream Yellow Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow Pro for $2.00.
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 Yellow Pro switches produce a poppy, clacky sound that enhances the auditory experience, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy vibrant feedback while typing. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches have a louder sound signature with a bassier pitch, which adds a distinct punchiness to each keystroke. This difference in sound profile caters to different user preferences; those who prefer a snappy and bright tonal quality may gravitate towards the Cream Yellow Pro, while users who enjoy a fuller, deeper sound may favor the Creamy Purple Pro.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are characterized by a smooth and responsive experience, described as easy-to-press, feathery, and polished. This means that even during extended typing sessions, users can expect minimal strain and fatigue, making these switches ideal for long hours of use. On the other hand, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches offer an invigorating tactile bump accompanied by a bouncy feel. The tactile feedback is accented yet not overly aggressive, providing a well-balanced sensation that many typists may find engaging. While both switches are polished and smooth, the tactile nature of the Creamy Purple Pro brings a unique responsiveness that the linear Cream Yellow Pro lacks.
Considering both switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is suited for users who appreciate a responsive, lightweight, and airy typing experience with bright acoustic feedback, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro caters to those seeking deeper, bassy sounds and tactile engagement. Depending on your preferred typing style and sound preferences, each switch presents its own unique benefits. Ultimately, trying both types can lead to discovering which switch resonates with your particular typing or gaming habits, as they both offer high-quality engagement that enhances the overall keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and overall usage. If you enjoy a more vibrant auditory experience and a smoother typing feel, particularly for extended typing sessions or gaming, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is your best bet. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams combined with its polished, snappy response makes it an excellent choice for those who like a responsive yet manageable keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer distinct feedback with a pronounced tactile bump and a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be ideal. This switch provides an invigorating typing sensation that’s great for those who enjoy audible and tactile feedback, making it well-suited for typing-intensive tasks or even leisurely writing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your preferences for feedback, sound, and the type of activities you'll be engaged in, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience is as enjoyable as possible.
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