Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch, to the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, there are distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly option that offers a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth feel, ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience and a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum is unique in its heaviness without a pronounced tactile bump, providing a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. While the Cream Yellow Pro is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', the Plum is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Stepped'. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that make them appealing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Kailh Plum have some similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches make use of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, when it comes to the nylon bottom housing, the switches differ slightly. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Plum's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The housing materials of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Plum showcase how different materials can impact the sound and feel of a switch. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches offers a clear and resonant sound profile, ideal for those looking for a sharper sound. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while the Plum's bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder tone. This difference highlights how the choice of housing material can influence the overall typing experience.
In terms of typing experience, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Kailh Plum play a significant role. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a distinct feel and sound profile when pressing down and releasing a key. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. This shows how the combination of different housing materials can create a unique typing experience for users of these switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Plum switch requires a heavier force of 70 grams compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a balance between a light typing experience and a more substantial push feel. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Kailh Plum tactile switch for a more satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there is a slight difference. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making the Plum the longer-travel option. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper key press experience may opt for the Plum with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar feel and performance, so either choice will provide a satisfactory typing 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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a poppy and clacky sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch presents a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable and suitable for various purposes. The sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and responsive typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Kailh Plum switch provides a mild and stepped feel, offering a gentler typing experience with a unique tactile sensation that differentiates it from other tactile switches. Both switches aim to provide comfort and a pleasant typing experience for users, albeit through different tactile characteristics.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Kailh Plum switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feelings to cater to different user preferences. While the Cream Yellow Pro switch emphasizes a lively auditory experience and a smooth tactile feel, the Plum switch stands out for its unique weighting and subtle tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that an individual seeks to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider your preferences for actuation force and tactility. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth typing experience with a poppy sound, the Cream Yellow Pro V3 switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a unique tactile bump that doesn't sacrifice a neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to your personal taste in keyboard switches.
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