Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red stand out as excellent options for different reasons. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, offering a vibrant auditory experience and creamy tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red is a silent variant of the classic MX Red, providing a similarly satisfying typing experience but with a significantly quieter sound profile, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits, so choosing between the two depends on personal preferences and specific needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Cherry MX Silent Red, one notable difference is in the top housing material. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This contrast results in a clear and resonant sound from the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while the MX Silent Red offers a duller and rounder sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both switches opt for nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the MX Silent Red allows for a consistent sound experience in terms of depth and fullness. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch may vary slightly between the two, with the nylon housing in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro potentially offering a slightly different tactile experience compared to the MX Silent Red.
Overall, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red share a commonality in utilizing nylon for the bottom housing material, their differences in the top housing material contribute to distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a sharper and more resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red offers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these variations, both switches maintain a level of consistency in sound quality and tactile feel thanks to the utilization of nylon for the bottom housing, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires a slightly heavier touch. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the MX Silent Red has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches provide a smooth and quiet typing experience, with the MX Silent Red being known for its silent operation. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly heavier forces, making it ideal for those looking for a bit more feedback while typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with weight being a crucial factor to consider for a comfortable typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter, snappier key press or a longer, more deliberate one. Both switches offer unique advantages, so users can expect different results based on their preferred travel distance.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 offers a poppy, clacky sound that adds vibrancy to the typing experience, while the Cherry MX Silent Red produces a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound ideal for quiet environments. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro will provide a more audible and satisfying typing experience, whereas the MX Silent Red focuses on minimizing noise for a more subtle sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience, enhancing comfort and reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as textured, potentially providing a different tactile feel compared to the smoothness of the Cream Yellow Pro. The MX Silent Red may offer a more noticeable feedback during key presses due to its textured nature.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a vibrant sound and a smooth tactile feel, ideal for those looking for an audible and satisfying typing experience. Conversely, the MX Silent Red prioritizes a quiet environment with its muted sound profile and potentially textured feel. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize audibility or noise reduction in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a budget-friendly option with a poppy sound and creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be a better fit with its silent operation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer the vibrant auditory experience of the Cream Yellow Pro or the muted sound profile of the Silent Red. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing needs.
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