Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of different options. Two popular linear switches that stand out in the market are the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry Nixie. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly option that offers a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smoothness, perfect for those who appreciate a vibrant auditory experience and a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is a revered classic known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation thanks to Cherry's recent MX2A update. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry Nixie both feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deep and full sound profile due to nylon’s ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro’s polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. This contrasting feature in the top housing material between the two switches results in a different sound profile when pressing down on a key and when letting go.
In terms of aesthetics, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out due to its polycarbonate top housing, which allows for the use of RGB lighting thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie’s nylon housing does not offer the same visual appeal as the polycarbonate material. However, both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, showcasing a similar choice in material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, if RGB lighting is a priority for you, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the more appealing option.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Cherry Nixie comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon housing of the Nixie provides a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on whether RGB lighting is important to you, the translucent polycarbonate of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the deciding factor. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a similar sound profile, but the different top housing materials lead to distinct acoustic experiences when typing on each switch.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Nixie. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Nixie offers a heavier typing experience, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing force and comfort. If both switches had the same actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect to get similar results in terms of typing experience, making the decision between the two switches even more based on personal preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Nixie has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. The difference may not be significant to some users, but for those who are sensitive to the feel of keypresses, it could make a noticeable impact on typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding travel distance. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so in terms of keypress sensation, users can expect similar results from either option.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches from Akko are known for their poppy, clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience that complements the creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixies are described as producing a thocky, low-pitched sound, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal taste and the overall sound profile you prefer for your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches are lauded for their easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This results in an effortless and comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue over extended use. Additionally, the switches are described as feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a responsive and smooth typing feel. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switches are noted for their textured feel, which may provide a different tactile sensation compared to the smoothness of the Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a smoother or more textured typing experience.
Taking all the available information into consideration, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Cherry Nixie linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches provide a poppy, clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press and smooth feel, the Cherry Nixies offer a thocky, low-pitched sound and a textured typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both in your mechanical keyboard switch selection, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you aim to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a budget-friendly option with a poppy and smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a textured typing feel, the Cherry Nixie may be more suitable for you. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and budget when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs and preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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