Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact both typing experience and overall satisfaction. On one hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its pronounced tactile bump and a bass-heavy sound signature, appealing to users who enjoy a more interactive and audible typing experience. This tactile switch offers a raunchy feedback that many enthusiasts find invigorating, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who crave a pronounced reaction with every keystroke. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red caters to those who appreciate a smoother, linear experience. With its silent operation and slightly heftier feel, this switch provides a quieter typing environment without sacrificing the satisfying responsiveness associated with Cherry's renowned switches. The MX Silent Red is particularly well-suited for noise-sensitive settings, where silence is golden. In summary, while both switches offer unique benefits—one through its engaging tactile feedback and the other through its stealthy linear feel—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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer a fascinating contrast in sound profiles and aesthetics, stemming primarily from the differences in their top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, making it resonate more clearly when typed on. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. The soft nature of nylon absorbs vibrations, leading to a softer release sound when keys are actuated, showcasing how the material choice directly influences the sound character of each switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, both switches employ nylon materials, ensuring that the bottom-out sound and feel remain consistent across both models. As nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its sound-absorbing properties, each switch's bottom housing will produce a similarly subdued and rounded sound profile when the key is pressed down. This commonality in bottom housing materials means that despite their differing top housings, both switches maintain a level of acoustic similarity, particularly in the sound produced during actuation, where both benefit from the sound-dampening qualities of nylon.
In terms of overall performance, the combination of polycarbonate in the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's top housing and nylon in both the top and bottom gives it a unique sound experience characterized by a notable contrast between the crispness of the upstroke and the depth of the bottom-out. This results in an intricate auditory signature, appealing to users who favor a little more auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red's consistent use of nylon in both housings ensures a more uniform and quieter typing experience, catering to users who prefer a more subdued sound. Thus, while the switches differ in material compositions, the shared nylon bottom housing allows them to produce similar results in their actuation sounds, highlighting the intricate balance between design and user experience in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that could influence a user's typing experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a relatively light actuation force of 30 grams, making it an appealing option for users who prefer less resistance for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Additionally, the bottom out force for the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is 50 grams, indicating the pressure needed to fully depress the key, while the bottom out force for the MX Silent Red is unknown. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch for comfort over extended use should lean towards the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those who prefer a firmer experience may favor the Cherry MX Silent Red.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the former measuring 3 mm and the latter 3.7 mm. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro the shorter option, while the MX Silent Red offers a longer travel distance. Since a shorter travel distance generally allows for quicker response times, gamers may find the Creamy Purple Pro more appealing for fast-paced gaming. Conversely, those who prefer a deeper feel and more tactile feedback might gravitate toward the Cherry MX Silent Red, as its longer travel distance can provide a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 offers a louder auditory experience with a bass-heavy pitch, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing. The tactile bump adds a satisfying element, enhancing the overall auditory impact. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a muted sound profile, designed to minimize noise while maintaining the pleasing tactile feedback associated with standard MX switches. It produces a thocky and low-pitched sound when pressed, creating a deep yet soft auditory experience that is perfect for noise-sensitive environments or shared workspaces.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is known for its invigorating tactile bump that provides a clear resistance during actuation, offering a pronounced tactile feedback that typists often find satisfying and conducive to accurate typing. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red features a smooth action with a slightly heftier feel, though it is noted that it may possess some textural friction that is common with mechanical switches. While the Silent Red is designed to operate quietly, users might experience a subtle scratchiness, potentially contrasting with the overall smoother experience typically expected from more linear switches.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Cherry MX Silent Red switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. Those who favor a loud and tactile experience may gravitate toward the Creamy Purple Pro, while those who prioritize a quieter, more discreet typing experience would find the Silent Red appealing. Although their qualities differ, all these factors contribute to a personalized typing experience, allowing users to select the switch that best fits their unique style and needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback and a noticeable sound when typing, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent option. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams makes it easy to type quickly, while the tactile bump offers an engaging typing experience that's rewarding and fun, albeit louder. This switch is better suited for those who appreciate the auditory feedback of a mechanical switch and don’t mind the noise, such as in a private office or gaming setup.
Conversely, if you find yourself in a shared or noise-sensitive environment, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be the ideal choice for you. With its smooth linear feel, it provides an incredibly quiet typing experience while maintaining a satisfying action reminiscent of the beloved MX Red. This switch allows for uninterrupted typing without disturbing those around you. The slightly heftier feel can also add a sense of stability that some typists prefer.
In essence, consider the acoustics and tactile preferences that align with your needs—whether you're inclined towards the vibrant feedback of the Creamy Purple Pro or the muted efficiency of the Silent Red, you'll find a switch that enhances your typing experience perfectly.
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