Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Splash Brothers both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch that stands out for its budget-friendly price point and satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smoothness, providing a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers also a linear switch, boasts a shorter activation and long pole stem, offering a great typing feel and a creamy sound signature. While the Cream Yellow Pro is described as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Bouncy', the Splash Brothers is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', and 'Bouncy'. Understanding these general characteristics can help guide your decision-making process; 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Splash Brothers both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate provides a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a more defined auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. In terms of sound and aesthetics, both switches offer similar benefits due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
While the top housings of the two switches are similar, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a noticeable variation in the typing experience between the switches. The impact of the housing material on the sound and feel of the switches may become more apparent during extended use.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Splash Brothers may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the polycarbonate top housing providing a sharp and clear sound, and the nylon bottom housing offering a deeper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer a crisper and more resonant typing experience or a rounder and more absorbent sound profile, both switches have distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, which has a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience or gaming session, the Splash Brothers may be the better option due to its lighter bottom out force. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with its higher actuation force. Both switches provide a smooth linear feel, so regardless of the slight difference in force, users can expect a similar typing experience overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we find that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their quick response times. Choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a shorter travel distance for a faster response, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Jwick Splash Brothers with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth linear feel, and either one will provide a satisfying typing or gaming experience depending on your personal preferences.
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 Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 offers a poppy, clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch provides a creamy sound signature that complements its shorter activation and long pole stem, creating a unique typing sound. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is recognized for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing a smooth and low-impact typing experience. Additionally, these switches offer a bouncy and polished feel, enhancing the overall typing sensation. Conversely, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience, along with snappy and bouncy characteristics that add liveliness to each keystroke. Both switches deliver comfortable typing experiences, with slight variations in their tactile feedback and actuation force.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow Pro offers a more vibrant and easy-to-press typing experience with a poppy sound, the Splash Brothers provide a creamy sound signature and a unique blend of mild and snappy tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on whether you prioritize a specific sound profile or a particular typing feel. Whichever option you choose, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch or the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a satisfying combination of clacky sound and smooth feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a great typing feel, especially for gaming or fast typing sessions, the Jwick Splash Brothers might be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it is important to consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your individual typing style and preferences.
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