Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary widely based on both auditory and tactile experiences. On one hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out as an economical option for budget-conscious enthusiasts, offering a delightful blend of a poppy, clacky sound and a creamy tactile feel that caters to those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience. This linear switch is characterized by its feathery and bouncy feel, making it easy to press and pleasing to type on for extended periods. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange switch, reissued with enhancements in the MX2A generation, appeals to those who have a nostalgic fondness for the original MX Orange switches. While not explicitly detailed in terms of feel, Cherry switches are well-regarded for their reliability and craftsmanship, often favored by gamers and typists alike. Both switches have their unique attributes—whether you prefer the lively character of the Akko V3 or the trusted performance of the Cherry MX Orange. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Orange switches, significant differences emerge, particularly in the materials used for their top housings. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This characteristic contributes to a more resonant typing experience, especially favorable for those who value sound clarity, particularly in RGB lighting setups because of its translucency. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange features a top housing made of nylon, a classic material that lends a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs sound instead of amplifying it. This fundamental difference in material composition results in divergent auditory experiences during typing.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, aligning their sound characteristics in that regard. The nylon's softer structure means that both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Orange will produce a duller and rounder sound when the keys bottom out. This shared feature ensures that the typing experience remains consistent at the bottom of each switch despite the differing acoustic qualities introduced by their top housings. The fullness imparted by nylon on the bottom housing effectively balances the crisper sound from the polycarbonate top of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, creating a unique auditory experience that melds both clarity and richness.
When considering the overall acoustic performance and typing feel of both switches, it becomes clear that their distinct top housing materials influence the sound experience significantly. While the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a sharper, resonant sound due to its polycarbonate housing, the Cherry MX Orange delivers a softer, more subdued sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a degree of similarity in sound and feel as both switches bottom out. Thus, although there are contrasting characteristics that shape each switch's profile, the combination of top and bottom housings ultimately contributes to a well-rounded typing experience in each case, allowing for varied preferences in sound and feel amongst users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch, notable differences emerge. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium resistance that can cater to users seeking a balanced typing experience suitable for extended use. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams, which suggests a heavier feel while typing, though its bottom out force is unknown. This may appeal to users who prefer additional resistance for a more substantial keystroke, but without specific bottom out data, a direct comparison cannot be made. Consequently, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the lighter switch overall, making it a more suitable choice for long typing sessions, while the Cherry MX Orange may satisfy those who appreciate a firmer push when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the two differ quite significantly. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange has a greater travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a shorter travel distance, providing quicker responsiveness that can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster key presses. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange, with its longer travel distance, delivers a more pronounced tactile feel, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Overall, if you favor speed and quick actions, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the way to go, whereas if you lean towards a more traditional and deeper typing experience, the Cherry MX Orange would be more suitable.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
The sound produced by the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is characterized by a poppy and clacky tone, providing an engaging auditory experience that appeals to many users. This vibrant sound profile is ideal for keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate a lively environment. On the other hand, while the Cherry MX Orange switch is known for its history and enhancements, specific sound characteristics were not detailed in the provided information. However, it is important to note that sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard’s construction and the keycaps used, so the overall auditory feedback may present similarities or differences depending on these factors.
When considering the feel of these switches, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a variety of appealing qualities. It is designed to be easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it an enjoyable choice for users engaged in extensive work or gaming. Its feathery and bouncy nature allows for light actuation and a lively typing sensation, while the polished finish ensures a smooth key travel experience. In contrast, while the MX Orange switch has received enhancements to meet modern demands, the specific tactile qualities such as resistance and feedback were not detailed in the information provided, leaving its precise feel open to interpretation.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch stands out with its distinct sound profile and a range of tactile characteristics designed to enhance comfort and responsiveness. The Cherry MX Orange switch, while historically significant and reissued with enhancements, lacks detailed descriptions of its sound and feel that would allow for a comprehensive comparison. For newcomers, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference, with the Akko switch offering a vibrant auditory and tactile experience, while the Cherry MX Orange's attributes remain somewhat less defined. Ultimately, both options can potentially provide satisfying results, but the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may take the lead for those who prioritize an engaging sound and an enjoyable typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches and the Cherry MX Orange switches ultimately depends on your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a medium bottom-out force and are looking for budget-friendly options that provide a satisfying auditory experience along with a smooth typing feel, then the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is an excellent choice. The poppy, clacky sound it produces and the easy-to-press, bouncy nature of the switch offer an engaging experience that can enhance typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you are aligned with those who seek a more specialized tactile experience and the distinct history linked with Cherry MX switches, especially the MX Orange, then this might be the switch for you. Although the MX Orange's specific sound and tactile characteristics were not detailed, it’s worth noting that it helps revive the classic feel many enthusiasts appreciate, especially if you value the enhancements from the MX2A revisions. Ultimately, your choice should be informed by the feel and feedback you desire in your typing sessions, along with your budget.
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