Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the PH Studio Jacaranda both offer unique qualities to consider. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly option that provides a satisfying auditory experience with its poppy, clacky sound, while also offering a smooth and tactile feel. On the other hand, the Jacaranda linear switch stands out for its gentle bottom-out force and extended spring, delivering a bouncy sensation with each keystroke. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and 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
50g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the PH Studio Jacaranda show similarities in their use of polycarbonate in the top housing, creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Both switches utilize the benefits of polycarbonate's stiffness to produce a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups due to their translucency. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a rounder sound. In contrast, the Jacaranda also features a nylon bottom housing, showcasing similar qualities of a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic housings.
While the polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a sharp and crisp sound profile, the differences in their bottom housing materials provide unique typing experiences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a softer typing feel and a deeper sound profile upon bottoming out, enhancing the overall typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing also absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a fuller sound profile that complements the high-pitched and sharp sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. These differences in bottom housing materials allow users to tailor their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the PH Studio Jacaranda offers users the opportunity to customize their typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile and nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound profile in both switches showcases a balance between clarity and depth in sound. Whether users prefer a crisper sound profile with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or a fuller sound with the Jacaranda, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of each switch, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their typing style.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch have differing actuation forces and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced typing experience. In comparison, the Jacaranda offers a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a more delicate and responsive option. Lighter switches like the Jacaranda are favored by those who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, while switches with heavier forces like the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preference, with the Jacaranda being the lighter option and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro providing a slightly heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Jacaranda, which may result in a slightly quicker actuation. However, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so the overall typing experience would be quite similar. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 Yellow Pro linear switch is known for offering a poppy, clacky sound that adds a vibrant auditory element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch stands out for its crisp and audible feedback, leaning towards the clacky side, thanks to its extended 22mm spring. Both switches provide distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro delivering a poppy sound and the Jacaranda offering a sharp and snappy auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is praised for its creamy tactile feel, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience for users who prefer easy-to-press switches with a bouncy sensation. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch boasts a gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and ensuring fatigue-free typing. Additionally, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro providing a creamy tactile feel and the Jacaranda offering a silky smooth typing sensation.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches each bring their own set of qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a poppy, clacky sound and a creamy tactile feel, the Jacaranda stands out with its crisp auditory feedback and silky smooth typing experience. Whether you prioritize a vibrant auditory experience or a smooth typing feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience. Due to their unique qualities, typing on either switch will result in a satisfying and enjoyable experience, tailored to your specific preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch or the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and a combination of poppy, clacky sound with a smooth tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, a clacky sound profile, and a silky smooth typing experience, the PH Studio Jacaranda may be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique features and benefits, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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