Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the preferences of each typist can dramatically influence the typing experience. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its prominent tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, complemented by a loud sound signature that leans towards a deeper, bassy tone. This switch is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced sensation while typing, making it particularly appealing for users who appreciate a tactile response that enhances the feel of each key press. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie shines as a revered linear switch, known for its substantial heft and smooth, textured typing experience. The Nixie's design incorporates updated materials and springs from Cherry's MX2A innovations, merging traditional reliability with contemporary improvements, which provides an incredibly fluid typing experience ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. While the Creamy Purple Pro excites with its tactile engagement, the Nixie offers a seamless glide that many linear switch enthusiasts crave. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cherry Nixie, one of the most significant contrasts lies in the top housing material. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This characteristic contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound when typing, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie employs a nylon top housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer composition of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, the difference in top housing materials can lead to distinctive sound profiles when typing on each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Cherry Nixie utilize nylon. This choice in bottom housing leads to a consistent sound quality between the two models, as nylon is recognized for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inclusion of nylon at the bottom ensures that when the switch is depressed, users experience a muted yet rich auditory feedback, enhancing overall typing satisfaction. Since both switches share this nylon bottom housing, it minimizes the disparity in sound characteristics during the actuation phase, paving the way for a more unified typing experience despite differences in their top housings.
Overall, the unique combination of materials in the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Cherry Nixie allows for interesting auditory contrasts while maintaining some similarity. The polycarbonate top of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro imparts a sharper sound upon release, while the nylon top of the Nixie creates a softer, rounder sound. Nevertheless, with both switches sharing nylon in the bottom housing, the foundational depth and fullness remain consistent and provide a cohesive feel. Thus, while users will notice differences in sound profiles, particularly in the action of releasing keys, the shared nylon bottom housing fosters a commonality that amplifies the experience of both switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch present distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying preferences among users. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, which appeals to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. This clear distinction indicates that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, while the Cherry Nixie is heavier, giving potential users a straightforward choice based on their preferences for force feedback in their keyboards.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, there is a notable difference: the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Nixie features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 3 mm travel of the V3 makes it a shallower switch, which often appeals to gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for faster actuation and a more responsive feel during gameplay. Conversely, the 4 mm travel of the Nixie provides a more substantial depth that some users may find more satisfying, as it offers a traditional typing experience that feels less abrupt. Ultimately, individuals looking for a quicker, more reactive feel might prefer the Akko switch, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced key response may opt for the Cherry switch.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is known for its loud, bass-heavy sound profile. Users can expect a pronounced auditory experience characterized by a vigorous tactile bump, which adds to the overall volume when the switch is activated. In comparison, the Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a thocky sound, producing a deeper and richer tonal quality with a low-pitched thud or soft knock whenever the key is pressed or released. Both switches have a distinctive acoustic signature, but the Creamy Purple Pro leans more towards a louder, forward sound profile while the Nixie provides a subtler, deeper resonance that emphasizes the tactile experience.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a noticeable tactile bump that users can readily discern during key presses, contributing to a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is primarily known for its textured feel, exhibiting a level of friction that may be perceived as scratchy by some. This textured sensation can greatly influence the user's typing rhythm and overall engagement with the switch. While both switches offer unique tactile feedback, they cater to different preferences: one is affirmatively tactile while the other leans towards a more textured typing experience.
Ultimately, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities suitable for various typing preferences. While the Creamy Purple Pro excels in noise and tactile response, the Nixie brings a blend of tradition and modern innovation with its thocky sound and textured feel. Users will find that their choice between the two can be guided by their desired sound and tactile expectation, making it essential to consider personal typing habits when selecting a switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a satisfying tactile bump and an invigorating sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force caters to those who prefer a responsive feel, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming where you want to feel each key press. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial and heavier switch, the Cherry Nixie offers a tactile experience that is both textured and satisfying, with a solid 80-gram bottom-out force that feels remarkably durable. Its thocky and low-pitched sound signature provides a rich auditory experience, making it perfect for those who enjoy heavier switches and a more traditional typing feel. Therefore, your decision should hinge on whether you value responsiveness and audio playfulness in the V3 Creamy Purple Pro or the tactile weight and classic nature of the Nixie switches.
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