Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the SP-Star RedBlue each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback that many typists and gamers enjoy. Coupled with a louder, bassier sound signature, it's an ideal choice for those who relish the auditory experience of typing and require a tactile sensation to enhance their engagement with the keyboard. In contrast, the RedBlue linear switch delivers a smooth, medium-light typing experience that appeals to users seeking speed and fluidity without the distraction of audible clicks. Its low-pitched sound profile, described as neutral and mildly thocky, allows for quiet operation, making it suitable for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. Both switches have their advantages, depending on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or smoothness and discretion in your typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 SP-Star RedBlue switches, one notable similarity lies in the top housing material; both utilize polycarbonate. This commonality contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances resonance, allowing for more audible clarity, which is particularly beneficial for those using RGB lighting due to its translucency. This shared characteristic not only ensures that users can expect similar aesthetic appeal with a transparent design but also leads to comparable auditory experiences upon key release, emphasizing the bright notes typically associated with polycarbonate materials.
However, a key difference emerges in the bottom housing of these two switches. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a warmer auditory experience when the key is bottomed out. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue features a polycarbonate bottom housing like its top, which reinforces the crisper sound characteristic but may lack the fullness that nylon provides. As a result, while both switches may excel in delivering a sharp initial keystroke sound, the overall depth and warmth of the acoustic experience will differ significantly between the two.
Ultimately, the differing bottom housing materials result in distinct sound profiles when typing, despite the similar top housing. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro's nylon bottom allows for a more muted and resonant sound when keys are pressed down, contrasting with the SP-Star RedBlue's brighter and more resonant response thanks to its polycarbonate bottom. Each switch's unique combination of materials shapes the overall user experience, where the Akko's nylon offers a fuller feel and sound under pressure, and the RedBlue maintains a consistent high-pitched clarity throughout. Hence, while similarities in the top housing can lead to some common auditory characteristics, the fundamental differences in bottom housing material create varied outcomes that will appeal to different user preferences.
Weight
The comparison between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch reveals distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option that is ideal for users who prefer a softer typing experience for extended periods. In contrast, while the actuation force for the RedBlue switch is unknown, its bottom out force of 57 grams indicates that it is medium-light, suggesting it requires a slightly firmer push to bottom out. Therefore, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is lighter overall, providing a more gentle feel, whereas the RedBlue might offer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. For typists who favor a lighter switch to reduce fatigue, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be preferable, while those who seek a firmer feedback might gravitate towards the RedBlue.
Travel distance
The travel distance varies between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, with the V3 Creamy Purple Pro featuring a shorter travel distance of 3 mm in comparison to the 4 mm of the RedBlue. This difference indicates that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a more responsive feel, making it ideal for gamers who favor quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer 4 mm travel of the RedBlue caters to those who appreciate a more traditional and hearty depth when typing, which can provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, if you prefer faster response times, the shorter Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice, while the SP-Star RedBlue offers a more substantial push with its longer travel distance.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 switch delivers a loud and invigorating auditory experience, characterized by a bass-heavy pitch that stands out in any environment. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch produces a relatively low-pitched sound profile, which conveys a more mellow tone. While the Creamy Purple Pro's sound can be seen as thunderous and pronounced, the RedBlue's thocky nature offers a soft "thud" that caters to those valuing subtlety in their keyboard acoustics. It's noteworthy that the acoustics of both switches can vary based on the keyboard they are used with and the type of keycaps, making environmental factors impactful.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a substantial tactile bump that enhances the typing experience, adding a noticeable tactile feedback that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the RedBlue switch is characterized by a mild typing experience; its polished nature results in smooth and refined keystrokes, ensuring that it is approachable for a broad range of users, whether beginners or veterans. While the V3 switch emphasizes tactile feedback prominently, the RedBlue’s smoothness appeals to those who favor a sleek, less pronounced interaction.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch introduce distinct qualities to the table. The Creamy Purple Pro offers a loud, tactile experience that is invigorating and responsive, while the RedBlue provides a subtle, polished, and mellow typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for sound and feel—whether you gravitate towards dynamic tactile feedback or smooth linearity. Regardless of your selection, both switches can deliver satisfying results, but they cater to different typing preferences and styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch should depend largely on your preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump with a lively sound signature, the Creamy Purple Pro's lighter actuation force of 50 grams and its satisfying, bass-heavy sound will likely enhance your typing or gaming experience. The loud, thocky feedback makes it an excellent choice for those who relish the satisfaction of key presses and don’t mind the extra noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quieter typing experience that strikes a balance between comfort and efficiency, the RedBlue switch with its medium-light actuation force of 57 grams is ideal. Its polished feel ensures a refined and gentle typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions or office environments where noise is a concern. Ultimately, selecting the right switch comes down to understanding how you’ll be using your keyboard—whether you crave that tactile engagement or need a more subdued and smooth interaction.
Mentioned in this article
