Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the SP-Star Meteor White mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is celebrated for its budget-friendly price point and delivers a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound along with a smooth tactile feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch provides a more subdued and gentle linear experience, with an easy push and soft sound profile. While the Cream Yellow Pro is categorized as 'Feathery' and 'Bouncy', the Meteor White is labeled as 'Mild' and 'Thocky'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and sound. 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the SP-Star Meteor White differ in terms of the materials used for both the top and bottom housings. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This is in contrast to the Meteor White's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound with its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon top housings will ultimately depend on individual preference for sound characteristics.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Meteor White both utilize nylon as the material of choice. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches, as nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Despite both switches sharing the same bottom housing material, the overall typing experience may vary slightly due to the nuances in sound and feel that each switch provides. Ultimately, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a consistent sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the SP-Star Meteor White play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro boasts a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound and a nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound, the Meteor White utilizes nylon for both top and bottom housings to create a deeper and rounder sound. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound, making them suitable options for those seeking distinct tactile experiences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, which does not provide specific information on its actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is 60 grams, while the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams. This makes the Meteor White slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom out force, while the Meteor White provides a lighter typing feel, which may be preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be favored by gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch provides a deeper key press experience, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding key press depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to individuals seeking varying typing experiences.
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 White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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 switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch provides a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile that is more subdued and soft. While the Cream Yellow Pro switch offers a more lively and pronounced sound, the Meteor White switch presents a more gentle and mellow sound. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a more energetic sound with the Cream Yellow Pro or a softer sound with the Meteor White switch.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities indicate that the Cream Yellow Pro switch offers a light actuation force, minimal exertion from the fingers, a spring-like feedback sensation, super responsiveness, and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience and a smooth key travel. Both switches provide a comfortable typing feel, with the Cream Yellow Pro switch offering a more responsive and bouncy sensation compared to the softer and milder feel of the Meteor White switch.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the SP-Star Meteor White switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow Pro switch provides a more lively and vibrant auditory experience with a responsive and bouncy typing feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound and feedback. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a softer and gentler sound profile with a smooth key travel, appealing to users looking for a more subdued and mild typing experience. Both switches are polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. Depending on individual preferences, users can select the switch that best suits their typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler, more subdued sound and a soft typing feel, the Meteor White could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a vibrant auditory experience or a milder, approachable typing feel in your mechanical keyboard switches. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience to determine which switch aligns best with your personal preferences.
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