Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience with a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Silver Pro is specifically designed for gamers, providing effortless keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance for quick responses in fast-paced scenarios. Each switch offers its own unique advantages depending on individual 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. The nylon bottom housing of both switches differs, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone.
While the top housing material of both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko V3 Silver Pro is the same, the differences in their nylon bottom housing become apparent when typing on the switches. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt during the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with nylon offering a deeper sound profile than polycarbonate. Conversely, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, emphasizing the crisp and resonant qualities of polycarbonate. Despite these differences in the bottom housing material, both switches ultimately offer a unique typing experience that combines the properties of polycarbonate and nylon for a well-rounded sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko V3 Silver Pro serves to enhance the sound profile of each switch in distinct ways. While the polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and clear sound, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and deeper tone. These differences in material properties result in a nuanced typing experience that is influenced by both the top and bottom housing materials. Whether opting for the Cream Yellow Pro or the Silver Pro, users can expect a high-quality construction that prioritizes sound quality and aesthetics, making either switch a great choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a slightly heavier switch compared to the V3 Silver Pro. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a smoother and lighter typing experience. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the V3 Silver Pro would be better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer different levels of resistance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches. Whether you choose the Cream Yellow or Silver variant, the distance traveled by the switch will remain consistent at 3.3 mm. This makes them ideal choices for those who prefer a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 switch is known for its poppy, clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a pleasing bassy sound, specifically designed for gamers looking for an immersive auditory feedback while gaming. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is noted for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It also provides a feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, enhancing the typing experience with a smooth and responsive tactile feel. Similarly, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is easy to press, with a creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel, ensuring a smooth and low-impact typing experience ideal for intense gaming sessions or long typing tasks.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Silver Pro linear switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile feels tailored to different preferences. Users can expect a satisfying auditory experience and smooth keypress feedback with the Cream Yellow Pro, while the Silver Pro provides a bassy sound and effortless keystrokes ideal for gaming. Depending on individual preferences and usage scenarios, both switches offer quality performance and user satisfaction. Whether you choose the Cream Yellow Pro or Silver Pro, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel based on the respective descriptions provided.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiast looking for a satisfying tactile experience with a poppy sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a creamy tactile feel and a decent smoothness. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking switches engineered for speed and precision, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches are tailored for you. With a light bottom out force of 45 grams and shortened travel distance, these switches offer effortless keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound, ideal for scenarios where every millisecond matters. Ultimately, choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches for a vibrant auditory experience and a creamy tactile feel, while opting for the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches for a responsive and low-impact typing feel that enhances your gaming performance.
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