Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko Rosewood present two distinct yet enticing options for enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro, recognized for its budget-friendly appeal, offers a poppy yet clacky sound coupled with a creamy tactile feel, making it perfect for those who enjoy an engaging auditory statement while typing. Its characteristics—ranging from "easy-to-press" to "snappy"—provide a lively and responsive typing experience that many users find exhilarating. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches are celebrated for their deep, thocky sound, attributed to their factory-applied lubricant, which adds a level of refined smoothness that many tactile keyboard lovers appreciate. While both switches are linear, their sound profile and tactile feedback differ significantly, catering to different preferences in typing style and ambiance. Choosing between them often boils down to whether you prioritize auditory impact or a smoother sound experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko Rosewood feature distinct housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences during use. The top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is made from polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is especially notable when the switch is actuated, as the polycarbonate material enhances the clarity of high-pitched sounds, making the typing experience feel more responsive. Additionally, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate lends itself well to RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination that can make the keyboard aesthetically pleasing.
In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes nylon for its top housing, which offers a different auditory experience. Nylon’s softer composition leads to a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more vibrations and creating a sound profile that is rounded and mellow. This material choice makes the Rosewood particularly appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The differences in top housing material significantly affect how users perceive sound during typing; while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides clarity and brightness, the Rosewood offers warmth and depth, showcasing how material choice shapes the overall sound character of mechanical switches.
However, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Rosewood share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. This similarity means they both provide a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the differences in their top housings. Since the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can expect a satisfying tactile feedback and a wrapped, rounded acoustic quality during use. Thus, while the top housings of the two keyboards present contrasting auditory experiences, the nylon bottom housing ensures that a consistent and full sound remains integral to both types, resulting in a complementary balance between the two designs.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a more substantial choice for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Rosewood switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a softer and more effortless keystroke that may benefit users looking for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Consequently, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is better suited for typists or gamers who appreciate a stronger push feel, the Rosewood is ideal for those desiring a lighter touch. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces indicate that the Rosewood is the lighter option, whereas the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option. In contrast, the Rosewood switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This increased travel distance in the Rosewood may provide a more traditional and tactile experience, which some users find more satisfactory, while the shorter 3.3 mm distance of the Cream Yellow Pro caters to those seeking faster response times typical of gaming preferences. Ultimately, if you're looking for a swift and responsive keystroke, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be the ideal choice, while the Rosewood switch may be favored by those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel in their 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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch delivers a poppy, clacky sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a lively auditory experience while typing. This characteristic sound makes it particularly attractive for users seeking an engaging sound when they press the keys. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch produces a rich, deep thocky sound, attributed to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that enhances the auditory depth. While both switches offer satisfying sound experiences, they cater to different auditory preferences with the Cream Yellow Pro being brighter and the Rosewood presenting a more subdued, resonant tone. It’s important to note that the sound produced can also vary based on the keyboard construction and chosen keycaps.
Regarding the feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are designed with a very light actuation force, making them easy to press and reducing finger fatigue, which is beneficial during extended typing sessions. This switch is often described as feathery and bouncy, giving players and typists a lively, responsive interaction with the keyboard. With its polished smoothness, users can expect seamless key travel that contributes to an overall pleasurable typing experience. The Rosewood switch, while detailed information is lacking, is likely designed with a different tactile feedback in mind, possibly favoring a sturdier or more substantial feel compared to the light and agile Cream Yellow Pro.
In summary, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Rosewood switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro offers a bright, clacky sound profile alongside a responsive and light-feeling typing experience like no other. Meanwhile, the Rosewood provides a deeper, thocky sound, which may appeal to users looking for a more grounded auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches can satisfy mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, but their different sound and feel qualities make them suitable for varying preferences within the community.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback. If you appreciate a more energetic typing experience, where each keypress is accompanied by a vibrant auditory feedback and requires a medium actuation force of 60 grams, then the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is likely your best bet. Its satisfying clacky sound, bouncy feel, and polished action make it a fantastic option for those who love a lively, engaging typing experience whether you’re gaming or typing up documents. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an effortless keystroke, the 50-gram actuation force of the Rosewood would suit you well. This switch delivers a deep, thocky sound complemented by its smooth and satisfying feel, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Thus, your decision may come down to whether you favor a more tactile and spirited response with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or the smooth, more relaxed experience offered by the Rosewood.
Mentioned in this article
