Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, one must consider their unique features and qualities. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smoothness, providing a vibrant auditory experience alongside a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is renowned for its rapid response and linear action, making it ideal for gamers looking to maximize speed and precision. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver, it is clear that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on switches from either of these keyboards will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder tone. However, when it comes to the top housing, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro allows for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the typing experience.
While both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the MX Speed Silver feature nylon bottom housings that create a deep and full sound profile, their top housings differ significantly. The MX Speed Silver also uses nylon for its top housing, contributing to a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound profile produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. This difference in top housing material results in distinct typing experiences between the two keyboards. However, it is important to note that the qualities of each housing material will affect the sound and feel of the switches differently, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released.
Overall, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of mechanical keyboards like the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry MX Speed Silver. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro creates a sharper and more resonant sound, ideal for users who prefer a crisper typing experience with the added bonus of RGB lighting compatibility. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the MX Speed Silver produces a deeper and fuller sound, offering a different typing sensation that may appeal to those looking for a rounder tone. Regardless of these differences, both keyboards offer unique typing experiences based on their choice of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the MX Speed Silver is the lighter option with an actuation force of 30 grams, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is on the heavier side with an actuation force of 50 grams. However, the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown, making it difficult to assess in comparison to the 60 grams bottom out force of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the MX Speed Silver for its lower actuation force, which could result in a smoother typing experience. Meanwhile, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro with its higher actuation force for a more tactile response. In terms of weight, lighter switches like the MX Speed Silver are ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches such as the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provide a more solid and deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the MX Speed Silver's 3.4 mm. While both fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times, the slight variance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more abrupt and responsive feel may opt for the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Cherry MX Speed Silver. Ultimately, both switches offer a comparable experience in terms of travel distance, providing users with similar results in their typing or gaming experience.
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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 adds a vibrant auditory experience to your typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is known for its thocky, low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich tone with each keypress. While both switches offer satisfying sound qualities, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro leans towards a more lively and clicky sound, while the MX Speed Silver offers a deeper and more resonant tone. Your choice of board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound produced by these switches.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is characterized by descriptors such as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities imply a smooth and low-impact typing experience with minimal finger fatigue, making it ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, indicating noticeable friction when pressed. This texture may be preferred by some users for its unique feel, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. The Speed Silver's low spring resistance and linear action contribute to its rapid response, essential for gamers seeking quick key activation.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy, clacky sound with an easy-to-press and bouncy feel, while the Speed Silver offers a thocky, low-pitched sound with a textured typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can enhance your typing or gaming experience. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to determine which switch would be the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a budget-friendly option that offers a satisfying tactile feel and pleasant auditory experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and rapid response, especially for gaming where every millisecond counts, the MX Speed Silver could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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