Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the SP-Star Meteor Orange 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 SP-Star Meteor Orange offer unique experiences for the user. The Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch, perfect for those looking for smooth key presses and a satisfying sound with each stroke. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange is a tactile switch, providing a gentle but noticeable bump with each keystroke. If you prefer an easy-to-press and bouncy switch with a poppy sound, the Cream Yellow Pro may be the choice for you. However, if you appreciate a soft and seductive tactility paired with a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange could be the perfect fit. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the SP-Star Meteor Orange, we can see that they both share the use of nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that when typing on either of these switches, users can expect a similar tactile experience and sound output. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange.
On the other hand, the top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Meteor Orange differ significantly, with the former utilizing polycarbonate and the latter featuring nylon. Polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, nylon is a more classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This distinction in top housing materials will result in a noticeable difference in sound profile and feel when typing on these switches. Therefore, users looking for a specific sound profile may prefer one over the other based on the top housing material used.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing on them. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Meteor Orange share a nylon bottom housing, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro creates a sharper sound, while the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange produces a deeper sound. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their preference for a crisper or fuller sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, we can see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Meteor Orange, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Meteor Orange is lighter at 57 grams, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Meteor Orange for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the more substantial feel of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking fast key presses. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences for typing or gaming.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that adds a vibrant auditory experience to your typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement that is suitable for various purposes. Both switches deliver distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro leaning towards a more lively sound and the Meteor Orange maintaining a neutral tone.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance during key presses for a smooth and low-impact typing experience. It also offers a feathery and bouncy feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is described as having a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback that caters to different typing preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro focusing on effortless typing and the Meteor Orange emphasizing a smoother typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy, clacky sound and easy-to-press, feathery feel, while the Meteor Orange offers a neutral sound profile and a gentle, polished typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, you can choose between the lively and smooth qualities of the Cream Yellow Pro or the mild and polished characteristics of the Meteor Orange to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel and easy-to-press switches that provide a bouncy and snappy typing experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer, more seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile and polished finish for smooth key travel, the Meteor Orange switches could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking in your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
