Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, two linear options stand out for their unique characteristics. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly choice favored by mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth tactile feel. On the other hand, the Roselle offers a remarkably smooth typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for its bouncy and snappy feel, the Roselle stands out for its bassy and frictionless nature. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HC Studio Roselle differ in terms of the top housing material used. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Roselle utilizes a POM top housing, producing a deeper and more muted sound. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate material is known for its translucency and suitability for RGB lighting, the Roselle's POM material offers a unique sound experience that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum.
Both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HC Studio Roselle share a POM bottom housing material. This material provides a deep and pleasing sound profile while also offering a muted tone. The difference lies in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition compared to the harder POM material. While the Roselle's bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon material absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller tone.
In summary, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HC Studio Roselle each offer a unique sound experience based on their housing materials. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound profile suitable for RGB lighting, while its nylon bottom housing produces a deeper tone. Conversely, the Roselle's POM top housing offers a more muted sound, complemented by its POM bottom housing for a consistent experience throughout. Ultimately, the choice between these two keyboards will depend on whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted tone.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we can see that the Roselle has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the V3's 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Roselle at 52 grams is also lighter than the V3's 60 grams. This means that the Roselle offers a lighter overall typing experience compared to the V3. For those who prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing feel, the Roselle may be the preferable option. On the other hand, the V3 provides a more substantial typing experience with slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-light category, so users can expect similar results in terms of overall typing feel, with the main difference being the slight variations in force required for actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for typing feel and desired weight of the keys.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is 3.3mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the travel distance spectrum, making them suitable for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. However, the Roselle switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. This extra 0.3mm may provide a slightly deeper keypress feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and the level of keypress depth that feels most comfortable.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 switches are characterized by a poppy and clacky sound that adds a vibrant auditory experience to typing sessions. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer a subtle, low-pitched sound signature that provides a bassy and mellow tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro focusing on a more energetic sound while the Roselle delivers a smoother and richer audio feedback.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are praised for their easy-to-press nature, feather-light actuation, bouncy sensation, snappy responsiveness, and polished finish that result in a smooth and refined typing experience. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switches are known for their frictionless feel, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches focus on providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel, the Roselle switches excel in delivering a gentle and approachable typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches prioritize a poppy sound profile and a smooth tactile feel, ideal for users seeking a vibrant auditory experience paired with a responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the Roselle switches focus on delivering a smooth and ethereally wispy sound accompanied by a frictionless and gentle typing experience that caters to a more nuanced preference. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, and choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a satisfying combination of sound and smoothness at a budget-friendly price, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, the Roselle switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a poppy, clacky feel with a medium bottom out force or a smoother, low-resistance typing experience with a lighter bottom out force. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy a personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
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