Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Speed Silver present distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and use cases. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, which delivers a satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a more engaged and sensory typing experience. Its loud, bassy sound signature adds a layer of auditory delight, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is engineered for speed and precision, featuring a linear action with minimal resistance that allows for instantaneous key presses. This switch is particularly favored by gamers, where quick reactions and rapid keystrokes can be the key to success in fast-paced environments. Each switch has its strengths, with the Creamy Purple Pro enhancing typing feel and expressiveness, while the Speed Silver prioritizes speed and efficiency. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver, a clear distinction emerges between their top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile. As a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate enhances sound clarity and resonance, resulting in a more pronounced auditory experience, especially beneficial for those who appreciate the nuances of RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer material. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is less sharp compared to polycarbonate. Consequently, users can expect different auditory experiences when typing or gaming on these switches, grounded in the materials utilized for their top housings.
Examining the bottom housings, both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the MX Speed Silver are constructed from nylon, leading to a notable similarity in their bottom sound profiles. Nylon, known for its sound-absorbing qualities, contributes to a deeper and rounder feel when typing, creating a cohesive auditory character across both switches from their bottom housings. This shared material means that while the top housings differ in sound profile and clarity, the foundational character of the sound produced upon bottoming out remains relatively consistent. Players and typists will appreciate the fuller sound generated by the nylon bottom housing in both switches.
In summary, the contrast in top housing materials leads to distinctive sonic experiences in the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Cherry MX Speed Silver, while their identical nylon bottom housings create a unified auditory foundation that contributes to a fuller feel. Users looking for a crisp and vibrant sound will lean towards the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, whereas those favoring a deeper and more muted sound may prefer the nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver. However, regardless of the differences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain an engaging typing experience rooted in their sound-absorbing properties.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, there are notable differences primarily influenced by the switches' design and intended use. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, allowing for a more effortless keystroke, which can benefit users during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Regarding bottom out forces, the V3 switch has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a tactile feedback when keys are fully pressed down. Meanwhile, the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unavailable, making it challenging to assess how it compares in this regard. Users seeking a lighter switch with a tactile experience might prefer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those desiring a heavier push may opt for the MX Speed Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, the differences become evident. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the MX Speed Silver measures slightly longer at 3.4 mm. This makes the Akko switch the shorter option, which can provide gamers with quicker response times, catering to those who favor a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver, with its longer distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced and deeper keystroke. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, those seeking rapid activation would likely benefit from the shorter travel of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch produces a robust auditory experience characterized by a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch. This creates an enjoyable and immersive typing environment, especially appealing to those who appreciate tactile feedback accompanied by pronounced acoustic results. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch delivers a thocky and low-pitched sound that resonates as a satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. The deeper tones of the Speed Silver are designed to offer a more subtle auditory feedback compared to the Creamy Purple Pro's louder performance. However, it's important to note that sound perception can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard, board materials, and keycap styles.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is recognized for its invigorating tactile bump, which provides a delightful resistance that enhances the typing experience by giving clear feedback on actuation. This tactile sensation creates a notable distinction between key presses, making it especially appealing for typists who enjoy a noticeable response. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver switch features a textured feel that produces noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can either be a point of enjoyment or frustration for users, depending on personal preferences regarding smoothness versus a textured feedback experience.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer distinctly different auditory and tactile characteristics. The Creamy Purple Pro shines with its loud, bassy sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a dynamic typing experience. Conversely, the Speed Silver excels in its low-pitched, thocky sound and smooth linear action, catering to gamers seeking rapid response and minimal resistance. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prefer enhanced tactile interaction and sound or a smooth, efficient keystroke experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy the satisfying sensation of a pronounced bump with a deeper bass sound, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice for typing and casual gaming. Its light actuation force and loud sound signature can create an engaging typing experience that many find appealing for everyday use. On the other hand, if you're a serious gamer focused on speed and rapid response, you’ll probably want to lean towards the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch. Its linear action and low spring resistance enable quick key presses that can give you a competitive edge during high-intensity gaming sessions. Additionally, the smoothness and thocky sound of the Speed Silver make it suitable for those who prefer a more muted auditory feedback while still maintaining a satisfying feel. Ultimately, the best choice hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound for typing or the need for rapid actuation and speed when gaming.
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