Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Red are two popular options to consider. On one hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly choice that offers a poppy, clacky sound with a smooth feel, making it a great option for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is a classic switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that is both responsive and satisfying. While both switches offer their own unique characteristics and benefits, it's important to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch best suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
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
Both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Red switches use nylon as their bottom housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro uses polycarbonate for its top housing, giving it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cherry MX Red. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch.
In terms of construction, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro combines the different qualities of nylon and polycarbonate in its top and bottom housings, respectively. When typing on the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be more prominent, thanks to the nylon material. Conversely, the top housing's influence will be more noticeable when releasing a key, showcasing the sharp and resonant characteristics of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red features consistent nylon housing for both the top and bottom, providing a uniform sound profile throughout typing.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Red housing materials boils down to personal preference and intended use. While both switches offer a deep and full sound profile due to their nylon bottom housing, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, delivering a sharper and crisper sound experience. Whether you prioritize aesthetics and RGB lighting compatibility or prefer a classic sound profile, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the MX Red's 45 grams. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the MX Red is unknown. Both switches provide a smooth and linear typing experience, but the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may feel slightly more substantial due to its higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the MX Red may be the better option for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may become an issue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the MX Red which has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking quick input feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference in terms of desired responsiveness and tactile feedback.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 provides an audible and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch provides a deeper, thocky sound profile that adds a satisfying tactile element to the typing process. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro delivering a more vibrant auditory experience and the MX Red offering a richer, more robust tone.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, feathery touch, bouncy feedback, snappy response, and polished finish, all contributing to a smooth and comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is noted for its slightly textured feel, providing a touch of friction that some users may find adds a unique texture to their typing. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations, with the Cream Yellow Pro focusing on lightness and responsiveness, while the MX Red provides a bit more resistance and a textured feel.
Overall, when comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it's clear that each switch brings its own set of subjective qualities to the table. The Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a poppy sound and a smooth, low-impact typing feel, perfect for those seeking a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Red stands out for its deep thocky sound and slightly textured feel, offering a more substantial tactile feedback. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a poppy, clacky sound with a smooth tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel, deeper sound profile, and a textured typing experience, the Cherry MX Red could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what specific characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
