Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch is crucial to enhancing your typing or gaming experience. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out as a tactile switch, celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying, bass-heavy sound signature that elevates every keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience, especially if feedback is a priority. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switch presents a smooth linear experience, catering to users who prefer a more fluid keystroke without any tactile interruptions. Refined through the MX2A generation enhancements, the Cherry MX Orange is ideal for quieter environments or rapid gaming sessions, where speed and responsiveness trump tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique appeal; the Creamy Purple Pro offers a vibrant tactile and auditory experience, while the MX Orange provides smoothness and stealth. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-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 Orange switches, a stark contrast emerges in their top housings. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, the Cherry MX Orange switch opts for a nylon top housing, which lends itself to a deeper and more rounded sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to the clarity and resonance that many keyboard enthusiasts seek, especially for situations involving RGB lighting due to its translucence. In contrast, the nylon in the MX Orange absorbs more sound, resulting in a softer auditory experience, which some users may find more pleasant for typing.
The bottom housings of both switches share a common material: nylon. This similarity means that both switches will produce a deeper, fuller sound profile from the bottom housing, as nylon’s ability to absorb sound creates a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, regardless of the differing top housings, the bottom-out sound produced when pressing each key remains consistent in tonal quality. This is important for users who appreciate a smooth typing experience since the qualities of the bottom housing significantly influence the overall feel when keys are bottomed out.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Cherry MX Orange switches utilize different materials for their top housings—polycarbonate and nylon, respectively—their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing leads to a similarity in sound profile during key presses. The clear brilliance of the polycarbonate contrasts with the muted softness of the nylon top housing, but both share a solid foundation in the deeper resonance provided by nylon below. For users curious about the overall typing experience, the differing top housings will create unique auditory sensations, yet the common nylon bottom will ensure a consistently satisfying key feel across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, significant differences in actuation force are evident. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. The bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unavailable, which limits the ability to fully assess how it compares in terms of pressing all the way down. Overall, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, while the Cherry MX Orange is heavier, thereby offering distinct typing experiences tailored to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a greater travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Akko switch provides a shorter travel, resulting in quicker response times, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster actuation. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced press that some users may find more satisfying or substantial, catering to those who prefer a deeper keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference; if you favor responsiveness and speed, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better option, while those looking for a more traditional, deeper feel should opt for the Cherry MX Orange.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by a pronounced loudness, featuring a bassier pitch that delivers a robust auditory experience. This switch is designed to produce a resonant and invigorating noise that can be quite engaging, particularly for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sound. In contrast, while specific details on the sound of the Cherry MX Orange are not provided, the original MX Orange known for its quieter operation may suggest a more subdued auditory presence compared to the Creamy Purple Pro. However, keep in mind that the overall sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, potentially leading to similar auditory experiences depending on the setup.
In terms of tactile feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro excels with its large and invigorating tactile bump, providing a satisfying response that can enhance typing accuracy and comfort. The pronounced tactile feedback is ideal for users who enjoy feeling a noticeable physical response upon actuation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switch is known for its enhancements that likely maintain a balance of tactile feedback while aiming for improved smoothness and performance. While specific tactile characteristics of the MX Orange are not detailed, the historical context suggests it offers a reliable feel without the pronounced bump of the Creamy Purple Pro, potentially providing a different typing experience.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Cherry MX Orange switches cater to different preferences, especially regarding sound and feel. Those who appreciate a loud, tactile experience may find themselves drawn to the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while users seeking a smoother, quieter operation might prefer the Cherry MX Orange. Ultimately, sound and feel are very subjective, and the best choice will depend on individual preferences and the specific keyboard setup used.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a satisfying feedback with a more audible sound, the Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice, especially for typing enthusiasts who appreciate the engagement that tactile feedback provides. The 50 grams of bottom-out force makes it relatively easy to actuate, which can be advantageous for long typing sessions, as you'll find it requires less effort to press down. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keypress without any tactile feedback, then the Cherry MX Orange is the way to go. Although specific details about its sound and feel were not provided, linear switches like the MX Orange are typically quieter and allow for faster key presses, which can benefit gamers or those who prioritize speed over tactile feel. Thus, your ultimate choice hinges on whether you value tactile feedback and sound or prefer a smooth and quieter experience.
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