Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two notable options are the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The V3 Crystal Pro, a linear switch, is renowned for its all-polycarbonate construction, which contributes to its bright, chirpy sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience. This switch is often praised for its bouncy and polished feel, making it a popular choice among typists who appreciate a lively keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch employs a hall effect mechanism, offering a satisfying balance of smooth operation and deeper sound. This unique combination provides both precision and enjoyment, appealing particularly to enthusiasts seeking durability and compatibility with innovative keyboards like those from Wooting. While the Crystal Pro is ideal for users who prioritize a vibrant acoustics and a polished feel, the Rice Pudding could be the go-to for those valuing nuanced feedback and versatility in their typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding, both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity means that users of both switches can expect excellent clarity and resonance when typing or gaming, particularly when RGB lighting is employed. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal by allowing light to shine through but also ensures that the sound produced upon key release retains a vibrant quality. Ultimately, regardless of their differences in bottom housing, the matching top materials lead to a similar auditory experience in terms of sound clarity.
The distinction lies in the bottom housings, where the V3 Crystal Pro utilizes polycarbonate while the Rice Pudding opts for nylon. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness results in a more pronounced bottom-out sound, maintaining that bright and resonant profile across the entire switch. In contrast, nylon is recognized for its softer characteristics, contributing to a deeper, fuller sound by absorbing more sound waves. This difference implies that while the Rice Pudding may evoke a rounder, warmer audio signature during typing, the V3 Crystal Pro's sound experience will rely on its consistent brightness from both top and bottom. Thus, the two switches cater to different auditory preferences influenced by their configurations.
In essence, switching between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding will offer distinct sound profiles due to their differing bottom housing materials, even though they share the same polycarbonate top. Users can expect an overall brighter sound from the V3 Crystal Pro, particularly when bottoming out, while the Rice Pudding presents a softer typing experience with its nylon bottom. This differentiation allows users to choose a switch that not only meets their aesthetic desires with RGB compatibility but also aligns with their personal sound preferences, emphasizing the impact of material choice in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Crystal Pro features an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it in the medium range. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch is lighter overall, with an actuation force of just 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This lighter feel can be particularly advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort. Conversely, the V3 Crystal Pro may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces. Thus, while both switches have their merits, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a firmer feel compared to the lighter and more agile Rice Pudding switch, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the V3 Crystal Pro measures 3.8 mm, while the Rice Pudding measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the V3 Crystal Pro offers a more substantial keypress feel, which may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper travel for a more pronounced typing experience. Conversely, the Rice Pudding's shorter travel distance could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times and more responsive keystrokes. Thus, if you prioritize speed and a snappier feel, the Rice Pudding is the better choice, while those who appreciate a fuller, more tactile feedback may prefer the V3 Crystal Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 Crystal Pro switch produces a bright and chirpy sound due to its polycarbonate construction, giving it a distinctive auditory presence. This sound profile makes it quite lively and engaging during use. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a deeper, more resonant tone that balances satisfaction with precision. The Rice Pudding’s sound can be effective for signaling keystrokes without being overly intrusive, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, while the V3 Crystal Pro leans towards a higher pitch, the Rice Pudding caters to those who prefer a fuller sounding experience.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Crystal Pro is notable for its bouncy and polished characteristics. The bouncy aspect contributes a delightful spring-like feedback that allows for a lively typing experience, providing satisfying tactile feedback upon key presses. The polished nature ensures that the keys glide smoothly, resulting in reduced friction and a refined feeling throughout the typing journey. In contrast, the feel of the Rice Pudding switches is currently unknown, leaving a gap in direct comparison for the tactile sensation that it provides. However, given their smooth operation, they may deliver a refreshing typing experience akin to that of the V3 Crystal Pro.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro excels with its bright sound and engaging bouncy feel, while the Rice Pudding presents a deeper sound profile with an unclear tactile experience. While each switch has its strengths, enthusiasts should consider personal preferences in sound and feel when making a decision, as both switches promise a rewarding typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, your choice should align with your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a more tactile and bouncy experience with medium resistance, the V3 Crystal Pro might be the ideal switch for you. Its distinct polycarbonate construction not only presents a uniquely bright and chirpy sound but also delivers a silky smooth feel that many typists find engaging. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy a lively feedback sensation and a bit of extra resistance, making it great for both gaming and typing tasks that benefit from such responsiveness. On the other hand, if you seek a lightweight, smooth, and precise typing experience, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is your go-to option. With a bottom-out force of only 48 grams, it’s perfect for users who favor speed and minimal effort in their keystrokes, particularly benefiting gamers and typists who value rapid key presses. Additionally, the deep sound signature and compatibility with Wooting keyboards offer versatility and an elevated auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a lively, bouncy feel with a robust sound or a smooth, precise experience that enhances speed and efficiency.
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