Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, we see distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, providing a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative semi-silent feature, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. While the Cream Yellow Pro is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Semi-Silent Linear is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its unique attributes that cater to different preferences, but 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiff, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, despite both switches having the same top housing material, the overall sound profile and feel may still differ due to other factors such as stem type and the bottom housing material.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This material is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound profile. While both switches share this common bottom housing material, other factors such as keycap material and stem design can still affect the overall typing feel and sound.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear may lead to variations in sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound, the use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help enthusiasts choose the switch that best suits their preferences and typing style. Whether it be a switch with a polycarbonate or nylon housing, each material brings its own unique characteristics to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch both have medium actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 62 grams. In terms of weight, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is lighter with a lower bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer typing for long periods without too much resistance. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is slightly heavier with a higher bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, both switches offer similar results in actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with a choice based on their preference for lighter or heavier switches.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be preferred by those seeking a more responsive feel, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may provide a more substantial keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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, clacky sound that adds vibrancy to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as producing a subdued sound, which is dampened and more subtle compared to most switches. While the Cream Yellow Pro provides a more lively auditory feedback, the Semi-Silent Linear offers a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise might be a concern.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for its easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, providing a smooth and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, offering a more gentle and approachable typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. Both switches focus on providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of actuation force and tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is favored for its poppy sound and smooth tactile feel, making it a budget-friendly choice for those looking for a vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its semi-silent operation, offering a more subdued sound while maintaining a silky smooth feel. Whether you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback or a quieter typing experience, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to a variety of user preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice. Ultimately, choosing between these two depends on your personal preference for sound levels and tactile feedback, as both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch or the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a poppy, clacky sound and a decent smoothness, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a silky smooth feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific sound and feel characteristics that align with your personal typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
