Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Taro are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch, is favored by those who enjoy a poppy, clacky sound with a smooth feel, making it ideal for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch, offers a cozy typing experience with medium-level tactility and crisp clacks, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Taro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. Both keyboards also have nylon bottom housings, providing a deep and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
Despite both keyboards utilizing polycarbonate and nylon in their housing materials, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Taro may differ in their overall sound and feel due to the split qualities between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing of a switch has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that even though both keyboards share similar housing materials, the way these materials are distributed in the switches may lead to variations in typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Taro offer distinct typing experiences despite both featuring polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings. While the polycarbonate top housings contribute to a sharp and clear sound profile, the nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings in the switches may lead to differences in the overall sound and feel when typing on each keyboard. Overall, the choice between these two keyboards may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force than the Jwick Taro tactile switch, requiring 50 grams compared to the Taro's unknown force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro also requires less force at 60 grams compared to the Taro's 67 grams. Overall, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Taro. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Taro switch provides a heavier and more substantial feel, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a stronger push while typing. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the Taro switch leans towards the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, providing a more responsive feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Taro tactile switch offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance one prefers for their typing or gaming 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch delivers a more acute and crisp clack, adding to a cozy typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro leaning towards a more pronounced sound while the Taro provides a crisper and more subdued clack.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Cream Yellow Pro also provides a feathery and bouncy typing experience, enhancing responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Taro switch offers a stepped tactile feel, giving a more mild tactile feedback compared to hyper-tactile switches. Both switches offer a different feel, with the Cream Yellow Pro focusing on light actuation force and responsiveness, while the Taro prioritizes a smooth and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy and clacky sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience and gentle key presses. On the other hand, the Taro switch offers a more acute and crisp clack sound with a buttery and stepped tactile feel, catering to those who prefer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with mild tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer different but equally satisfying typing experiences, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a satisfying poppy sound with a smooth tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is the way to go. These switches are ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. So, consider your typing style and preferences when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Jwick Taro switches for your mechanical keyboard.
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