Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback with every keypress, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Additionally, its loud sound signature, with a bassier pitch, adds an auditory element that can enhance the thrill of typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch, known for its linear action, delivers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, perfect for gamers or individuals who prefer a quieter typing experience without the distraction of tactile bumps or clicks. With Cherry’s Hyperglide tooling, these switches maintain a classic textured feel and a low-pitched sound profile, catering to those who prioritize a seamless keypress. Both switches have their unique characteristics that appeal to different users; 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
30g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches, we observe a distinct contrast in their top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a crisper auditory experience when keys are released. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black employs a traditional nylon top housing. The softer characteristics of nylon produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more of the acoustic vibrations compared to the harder polycarbonate. Thus, users of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may enjoy a more vibrant sound when typing, whilst MX Black users would likely experience a muted and warmer auditory experience.
The bottom housings of both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches, however, share similarities as they are both constructed from nylon. This common choice means that both switches will exhibit a deep and full sound profile when bottoming out, as the softer nylon material effectively absorbs sound and provides a rounder auditory sensation. Consequently, the overall tactile typing experience when pressing down on the keys will feel notably similar across these two switch models. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing makes it a consistent factor, ensuring that while the top housings produce different sounds, the bottom-out experience remains grounded in the richer sound profile that nylon offers.
While the unique characteristics of their respective top housings create contrasting acoustic profiles, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Cherry MX Black switches will produce distinctly different sounds when taking into account the nuances of the materials used. Engaging with the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may lead to a brighter, more pronounced sound during key releases due to its polycarbonate housing, whereas the Cherry MX Black provides a warmer and subtler sound reflective of its nylon top housing. However, since both benefit from a nylon bottom housing, the overall impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will converge, resulting in a fuller auditory experience for both switches when pressed down, creating a unique blend of acoustic effects informed by their hybrid materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch to the Cherry MX Black linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces stand out. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for comfortable typing over extended sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Thus, if comfort and ease of use are priorities, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will be the better option, while those who favor weightier feedback may prefer the MX Black. Ultimately, the key distinction is that the Akko switch is notably lighter, whereas the Cherry MX Black is heavier, leading to different experiences tailored to user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option and aligning with the trend towards shallower switches that many gamers favor for quicker response times. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the traditional standard and provides a deeper, more tactile experience. This longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more significant feeling of depth when typing. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro's shorter travel distance may be more advantageous; however, if you lean towards a more substantial tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Black is the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 Creamy Purple Pro produces a notable and loud sound signature that leans towards a bassier tone, characterized by a richer and fuller sound when key presses occur. This punchy auditory experience can add a lively dimension to typing, making it stand out among other switches. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black switches are known for their low-pitched and mellow tone, typical of a deep sound profile. While both switches generate distinct auditory experiences, the Creamy Purple Pros are likely to be more attention-grabbing due to their loud projection, whereas the MX Blacks offer a more subdued and bass-heavy typing sound.
When examining the feel of each switch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is recognized for its large, invigorating tactile bump, providing a pronounced feedback that can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a tactile response. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches are characterized by a textured feel that introduces noticeable friction during key presses, catering to those who prefer a tactile sensation but with a stiffer resistance, requiring more force to actuate. This stiffness can contribute to a more deliberate typing experience, whereas the Creamy Purple Pro offers a more pronounced tactile response that is likely to be easier and more enjoyable to press.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Cherry MX Black switches offer unique qualities, especially in terms of sound and feel, they cater to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its loud, bassy sound and invigorating tactile feedback, making typing feel lively and responsive. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black offers a deeper, mellower sound profile alongside a textured and stiff feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two will significantly depend on whether you prioritize booming sound and tactile feedback or a low-pitched sound with a stiffer action.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches largely depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a more prominent tactile bump and you appreciate auditory feedback, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro might be ideal for you. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams allows for quick typing and is less fatiguing over long typing sessions, making it a good choice for casual gaming or prolonged writing tasks. Additionally, the loud, bassier sound profile can be satisfying for those who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback. On the other hand, if you require a stiffer switch that offers more resistance with each keystroke, the Cherry MX Black, with its heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, may be the better option. This switch provides a smooth, textured feel that can enhance the typing experience for those who like to feel each keystroke distinctly, while its low-pitched, deep sound profile contributes to a quieter but satisfying workspace. In summary, your decision should center on whether you favor tactile feedback and lighter pressure or a more forceful, smooth keystroke experience when selecting between these two switches.
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