Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Black mechanical keyboard switches, both linear options offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a fantastic choice for those on a budget, providing a satisfying poppy sound and smooth feel that appeals to users seeking a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for their textured smoothness and deep sound profile, making them a popular choice for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches offer different characteristics and sound profiles due to their composition. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the MX Black uses a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. While both switches offer satisfying typing experiences, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a more resonant and clear sound, while the nylon top housing of the MX Black offers a more rounded and dull sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches use nylon, which is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a fuller sound when typing, thanks to its softer composition compared to harder plastics. While the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound profile upon releasing a key, the bottom housing has more impact on the overall bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Therefore, despite using different top housing materials, both switches share a similar characteristic in their bottom housing, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches boils down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for users who prefer a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Black's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, which may appeal to those looking for a more mellow typing feel. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, providing a consistent sound experience in terms of absorption and depth, the differences in their top housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have noticeable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the MX Black's 60 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires 60 grams while the MX Black demands a heavier 80 grams for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is lighter overall, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions that require less finger fatigue. On the other hand, the MX Black is a heavier option that provides a stronger push feel, catering to those who prefer a more robust typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits based on individual preferences, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being lighter and the MX Black being heavier, providing users with a choice based on their typing style and comfort level.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the MX Black. Shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers for quicker response times, while longer travel distances can provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offering a slightly shorter travel distance for those who prefer a more responsive feel, while the Cherry MX Black provides a slightly longer travel distance for those who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, which features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer a distinct sound experience, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro providing a more lively and poppy sound compared to the deeper and more mellow sound of the MX Black.
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 make the typing experience effortless, comfortable, and responsive, ultimately reducing finger fatigue and enhancing typing sessions. On the contrary, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its textured and stiff feel, offering noticeable friction when pressed and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. While the Cream Yellow Pro switch provides a smooth and refined feel, the MX Black switch offers a more tactile and firm typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer unique sound and feel experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cream Yellow Pro switch is ideal for those who prefer a poppy sound and smooth, easy-to-press feel, while the MX Black switch caters to users who enjoy a deeper sound profile and a more textured, stiff typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams and favor a classic textured smoothness with a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black is the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and what feels most comfortable to you.
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