Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer a unique typing experience. The Cream Yellow Pro V3 is a budget-friendly option that provides a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth tactile feel. It is ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience combined with a creamy texture. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer resonant and clacky notes, with an impeccable factory lube job that ensures a silky smooth keystroke. While the Cream Yellow Pro V3 is characterized as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is known for being clacky, resonant, silky, and high-pitched. Each switch has its own strengths, so it ultimately depends on personal preference when choosing between the two. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), one key difference is in the top housing material used. The Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who appreciate a clear and resonant sound with RGB lighting, the Strawberry Wine's POM top housing offers a unique and pleasing sound experience.
Another notable point of comparison is in the bottom housing material of these two switches. Both the Cream Yellow Pro and the Strawberry Wine (V2) use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that typing on both switches will elicit a satisfying sound experience with a depth that nylon is renowned for.
While there are differences in the materials used for the top and bottom housings of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), the overall sound profiles of these switches may share similarities due to the use of nylon in the bottom housing. The Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Strawberry Wine's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a fuller and rounder sound profile when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound characteristics and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch to the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we can see that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine's lighter 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires 60 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine's 50 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier feel, while the Strawberry Wine provides a lighter touch for those looking for a smoother typing experience. Both switches fall in the medium range of actuation forces, so users can expect similar results when it comes to typing speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them suitable for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a touch more depth in key press, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a more pronounced feeling when typing. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and users are likely to achieve similar results with either option.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches are known for their poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches feature resonant and clacky notes, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a more lively sound while the Strawberry Wine delivers a cleaner and sharper sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are noted for their silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced resistance during key presses. Both switches excel in offering a comfortable typing experience, with the Cream Yellow Pro focusing on responsiveness and low-impact typing feel, while the Strawberry Wine emphasizes smoothness and minimal strain on the fingers.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy and clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press and polished feel, the Strawberry Wine offers a resonant and clacky sound with a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are a great choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a resonant, clacky sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine switches are the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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