Cherry MX Brown vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer distinct typing experiences. The Cherry MX Brown switch is praised for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and minimal noise. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is designed with gamers in mind, offering a smooth keystroke with a pleasing bassy sound and quick actuation force. While the Cherry MX Brown is known for its textured and low-pitched characteristics, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is highlighted for its easy-to-press and high-pitched feel. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, one key difference is in their top housing materials. The Cherry MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Despite these differences, both materials excel in enhancing the overall sound profile of the switches.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Cherry MX Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro use nylon, which results in a similar deep and full sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This choice of housing material contributes to a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing may not play as significant a role in the overall sound as the top housing, having nylon in this component ensures a consistent sound and feel when typing on the switches of both keyboards.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Cherry MX Brown and the Akko V3 Silver Pro leads to distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. The softer nylon material in the Cherry MX Brown results in a more muted and fuller sound, while the stiffer polycarbonate in the V3 Silver Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials have their strengths and contribute to the overall typing experience, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences in sound and feel. Whether you prefer a deeper sound with a duller profile or a sharper, more resonant tone, both keyboards offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it becomes clear that the V3 Silver Pro is the lighter option. The Cherry MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more medium-light in comparison to the Akko V3 Silver Pro, which has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, classifying it as a lighter switch. The actuation force is crucial for triggering keystrokes, with the MX Brown requiring a slightly heavier push than the V3 Silver Pro. On the other hand, the bottom out force indicates the amount of pressure needed to fully press the key, with the MX Brown requiring a heavier touch compared to the V3 Silver Pro. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the V3 Silver Pro, while those looking for a more substantial keystroke may opt for the Cherry MX Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that there is a notable difference. The MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the MX Brown offers a slightly longer key press distance compared to the V3 Silver Pro. The longer travel distance of the MX Brown may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users, while the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro could appeal to those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver Pro for $3.10.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 Cherry MX Brown switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when activated. When comparing the two, the MX Brown switches will offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the V3 Silver Pro switches will provide a sharper and more distinct sound. Ultimately, the sound experience will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches have a textured feel, which means there is noticeable friction when typing. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others might prefer a smoother typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are described as easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance and a smooth typing experience. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro switches are also noted for their creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel, providing a luxurious and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, if you enjoy a more tactile and textured typing experience, the MX Brown switches would be the way to go, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches would provide a smoother and more effortless keystroke.
Overall, when considering all the available information, it is clear that the Cherry MX Brown and Akko V3 Silver Pro switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety, gentle tactility, and bassy sound profile, making them a popular choice for users looking for a light typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switches are specifically engineered for gamers, offering light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and a pleasing bassy sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for, whether it be more tactile and textured with the MX Brown switches or smooth and effortless with the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking switches engineered for speed and responsiveness with light actuation force and shortened travel distance, the V3 Silver Pro would be a more suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and efficient for your typing needs.
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