Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Keygeek Keylin represent two compelling options within the linear switch category, each catering to different preferences and needs. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is particularly appealing for budget-conscious enthusiasts, offering a vibrant auditory experience with its poppy, clacky sound and creamy tactile feel, making it an exciting choice for those who enjoy a dynamic typing experience. It is characterized as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, which adds to its charm for casual users. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin leverages new mold technology to provide a premium typing experience, boasting rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness that would attract more serious typists and gamers seeking precision and comfort. With both switches showcasing unique strengths, selecting one will largely depend on personal preferences for sound and 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
50g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Keygeek Keylin, one can identify distinct characteristics in their design and acoustic profiles. The Akko V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This plastic's translucency also makes it ideal for supporting RGB lighting, allowing for stunning visual effects that enhance the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. In contrast, the Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more than the harder polycarbonate, resulting in a warmer and rounder auditory experience.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which yields a similar effect in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Keylin offers a consistent and rich typing feel, contributing to a duller and rounder sound when the switch bottoms out. This similarity ensures that both switches will deliver a comparable tactile experience and sound quality when pressed, highlighting the importance of bottom housing in defining the overall perception of a keystroke's auditory profile. The softer, sound-absorbing properties of nylon contribute to a satisfying bottom-out experience regardless of the differing top housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials results in varied sound profiles between the two keyboards that cater to different user preferences. The Akko's polycarbonate top housing leads to a clearer sound when releasing the key, while the Keylin's nylon top offers a more muted response. However, since both utilize nylon as their bottom housing, users will find that the overall bottoming-out sound remains consistent, giving both switches a complementary feel despite their opposing top housing materials. This combination of contrasts allows users to choose a switch that aligns with their desired sound characteristics while enjoying a reliable and enriching typing experience across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch to the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Keylin is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of only 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Keylin more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while the heavier V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more substantial feel that some typists and gamers may prefer for tactile feedback. Overall, the Keylin switch is the lighter option, making it ideal for extended use, whereas the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may cater better to those who appreciate a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, we find a notable difference. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro boasts a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Keylin measures at 3.6 mm, thus offering a longer travel distance. Users who opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may appreciate the quicker response times suited for gaming, whereas those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience might favor the Keylin’s longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences: the shorter travel of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is ideal for rapid actions, while the Keylin’s depth provides a more traditional 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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 Yellow Pro switches offer a lively auditory experience characterized by a poppy, clacky sound. This vibrancy makes them particularly appealing for those who enjoy an acoustic element during typing. While the Keygeek Keylin switches provide a premium typing experience with rich acoustics, specific details about their sound signature were not provided. This suggests that both options deliver a satisfying auditory experience, albeit with potentially different tonal qualities.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are designed to be easy to press, featuring a light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue, making extended typing comfortable. These switches also exhibit a feathery quality, offering little resistance and allowing for effortless key presses. The bouncy and snappy characteristics provide a lively feedback sensation that enhances engagement during use. In contrast, the specific tactile feedback and actuation characteristics of the Keylin switches remain unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison of their feel.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Keygeek Keylin linear switches offer appealing attributes tailored for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, yet they cater to slightly different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out in sound and feel, blending a vibrant auditory experience with an effortless tactile sensation. Meanwhile, while the Keylin holds promise with its rich acoustics and smooth operation, its detailed tactile feedback profile remains unspecified. Collectively, these switches provide excellent options, ensuring that users can find a satisfying fit according to their specific requirements in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when selecting between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, your choice ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and the force applied during key presses. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force that requires a bit more engagement, combined with a poppy and lively auditory feedback, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is an excellent choice. Its creamy tactile feel makes it suitable for both gaming and extended typing sessions while reducing finger fatigue. However, if you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, you might find the Keylin switch more appealing. The Keylin’s feathery and bouncy characteristics allow for effortless key presses, making it a fantastic option for those who type for long hours or require an exceptionally smooth experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a more tactile and responsive switch with a satisfying sound or if you prefer a lighter and buttery smooth experience with rich acoustics.
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