Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both of which are linear switches. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches are a top pick for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking a poppy, clacky sound and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 by Everglide offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, along with a silky typing sensation. While the Cream Yellow Pro V3 is known for being easy-to-press and bouncy, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its unique light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and intended usage; 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
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial if RGB lighting is a key feature you are looking for in a switch. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro opts for a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the consistent sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material.
While both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Lightning Silver V3 share the qualities of a polycarbonate top housing, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharp and resonant sound signature. The impact of these different materials can be felt when pressing down on the switch, as the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing. In contrast, the release sound when letting go of a key will be influenced by the qualities of the top housing material.
Overall, while both switches offer a polycarbonate top housing for a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal, the choice of bottom housing material in the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 creates distinct typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a fuller sound with a softer touch, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 maintains a sharp and clear sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we can see that both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the 48 grams of the Lightning Silver V3. This means that the Akko switch requires a slightly heavier touch to initiate a keystroke. Individuals who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Everglide switch, as it offers a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback may opt for the Akko switch. Both switches provide a medium level of resistance, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is slightly shorter at 3.3mm compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch at 3.4mm. While the difference may seem small, it can have an impact on how the key feels when pressed. Gamers may prefer the Akko switch for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more traditional feel with a bit more depth may opt for the Everglide switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro boasts a poppy and clacky sound profile that offers a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro leaning towards a more vibrant sound and the Lightning Silver V3 offering a brighter and sharper tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These attributes combine to provide a smooth and responsive typing experience with minimal finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is characterized by its silky smooth typing feel, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While both switches focus on providing a smooth typing experience, the Cream Yellow Pro offers a more diverse range of tactile sensations compared to the Lightning Silver V3.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a poppy and clacky sound paired with a creamy tactile feel, ideal for those seeking a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its high-pitched and clacky sound signature, coupled with a silky smooth typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, with both switches offering a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, if one desires a similar result in sound and feel, either switch can deliver a smooth typing experience with unique auditory characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience on a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth tactile feel, the Cream Yellow Pro switches may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 switches could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to choose based on your individual typing style and preferences.
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