Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Duck, a tactile switch, offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a popular choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches provide a more subtle tactile typing experience with a gentle tactility and clean sound profile. The Akko switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', while the Duck switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', 'Polished'. 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
58g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the SP-Star Duck both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for similar sound qualities, the different bottom housing materials of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the SP-Star Duck offer distinct typing experiences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with a softer touch. Conversely, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing emphasizes sharpness and clarity, creating a crisper typing sound. This difference in bottom housing materials contributes to the overall feel and sound of each switch, catering to different preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the SP-Star Duck showcases how variations in material composition can influence sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate for their top housing, the contrasting bottom housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate offer unique characteristics. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound with nylon or a sharper, crisper tone with polycarbonate, each switch provides a distinct typing experience based on its housing materials.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and 58 grams for the Duck. The lighter actuation force of the Cream Yellow Pro may appeal to users looking for a smoother and lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Duck's slightly heavier bottom out force could provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Duck's 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking a faster keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck provides a deeper keypress experience with its longer travel distance, appealing to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced key feel. Both options cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being ideal for those prioritizing speed and the SP-Star Duck offering a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key depth and responsiveness.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 offers a poppy, clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a clean and crispy sound profile, providing a more subtle typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences; the Cream Yellow Pro for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound, and the Duck for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow Pro is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and low-impact typing feel. In contrast, the Duck switch is described as mild, buttery, and polished, providing a gentle and uniform typing sensation. The Cream Yellow Pro appeals to those who prefer a light and bouncy typing experience, while the Duck switch caters to users seeking a smoother and more consistent feel during typing sessions.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and SP-Star Duck switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles, appealing to different preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro provides a louder and more tactile typing experience, while the Duck switch offers a quieter and smoother feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced sound or a gentler typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the type of experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you prefer a budget-friendly option with a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch could be the perfect match. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and budget.
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