Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) 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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present noteworthy options, each catering to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, known for its budget-friendly appeal, delivers a vibrant auditory experience with its poppy, clacky sound profile and a creamy tactile feel. This linear switch is categorized as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, making it an attractive choice for those who seek both playfulness and performance. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) employs a hall effect mechanism, offering a smooth keystroke combined with a satisfying "thock" sound signature, ideal for users who value precision and a refined tactile sensation. The dustproof stem in the Sticky Rice switch reduces wobble and enhances the overall typing experience, making it a solid for those who prioritize stability and a well-rounded feel. Both switches have their unique charm and strengths, catering to different styles of typing and gaming; 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
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) share similarities in their choice of top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate for this purpose. This commonality leads to a comparable sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory feedback. The rigid nature of polycarbonate contributes to a pronounced clarity and resonance when actuating the switches. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of each switch, particularly for users who value RGB lighting, as both switch types will effectively showcase lighting effects due to the material's transparency.
In contrast, the materials used for the bottom housing differentiate these two models. Both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Sticky Rice (V2) incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer characteristics of nylon allow it to absorb sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when bottoming out. This combination of polycarbonate and nylon in each switch ensures that both types maintain an engaging tactile experience, but they may achieve this through distinct sound profiles that are influenced by the interplay of housing materials.
Overall, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilize the same top housing material, their differing bottom housings create a blend of sound characteristics unique to each switch. The polycarbonate top enhances the overall brightness and clarity of sound, while the nylon bottom imparts depth and warmth. This configuration allows users to experience a balanced auditory profile that takes advantage of the strengths of both materials, ultimately delivering satisfying results for typists and gamers alike.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch differ significantly in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience suitable for users who prefer a heavier push feel. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Thus, while both switches offer distinct experiences, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the heavier option, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) is lighter. This difference may influence users’ preferences based on whether they seek a more robust feel or a softer touch in their keyboards.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference suggests that those who favor a more responsive experience might prefer the Akko switch, as its shorter travel distance can facilitate quicker key presses, which is especially advantageous in gaming scenarios. However, for users who appreciate a more substantial depth to their keystrokes, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) would likely provide a more satisfying experience with its 3.5 mm travel distance. The choice between these two switches essentially boils down to individual preference: if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the way to go, whereas the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile 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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches is characterized by a poppy and clacky auditory experience, providing an engaging and lively atmosphere ideal for typing and gaming. This vibrant sound can enhance the overall enjoyment of your keyboard, especially for users who appreciate a more expressive auditory feedback. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a more subdued yet refined sound signature that leans towards the coveted “thock” that many enthusiasts seek. This neutral sound allows for a solid acoustic environment, making it well-suited for quieter settings while still offering satisfying auditory feedback during use. Both switches will produce notable sounds, but the V3 Cream Yellow Pro will create a livelier atmosphere, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) caters to a more muted experience.
When considering feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches excel with descriptors such as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities combine to create a light and responsive typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and provides a lively sensation with every keystroke. This makes the V3 ideal for extended use, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is designed to deliver a very smooth keystroke, minimizing wobble due to its dustproof stem, which enhances overall performance. While specific descriptors for the Sticky Rice (V2) are not provided, the emphasis on a refined tactile sensation suggests it offers a different but equally satisfying typing experience, likely prioritizing consistency and a well-defined actuation.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. For those who enjoy an expressive, lively sound alongside a fluid typing feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you prefer a more subdued yet refined auditory experience paired with smooth and precise keystrokes, the Sticky Rice (V2) could be more appealing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a vibrant sound and bouncy feel or a more muted auditory feedback with enhanced stability during typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch will largely depend on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek from your keyboard. If you enjoy a vibrant auditory experience with a poppy sound profile and a medium actuation force that balances responsiveness and comfort, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is well-suited for you. Its unique combination of a creamy tactile feel and a bouncy, snappy feedback makes it a fantastic option for gaming, typing, or general use, particularly if you value a lively typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter, more refined feel with an emphasis on smoothness and a lower actuation force, you should lean towards the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2). This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a plush "thock" sound and an effortless keystroke, making it perfect for long typing sessions where finger fatigue should be minimized. In summary, your decision should revolve around whether you lean more towards an engaging audio experience with the Cream Yellow Pro or a smooth, understated feel with the Sticky Rice (V2).
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