Cherry MX Red vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the Cherry MX Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro. The Cherry MX Red is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are specifically engineered for gamers, providing a smooth keystroke with a pleasing bassy sound. The V3 Silver Pro switches feature a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, making them advantageous in scenarios where every millisecond matters. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, catering to different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
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
Yes
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
In comparing the Cherry MX Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, one noticeable difference lies in their top housing materials. The MX Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a softer and duller sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast showcases the impact that top housing materials can have on the overall typing experience, with nylon offering a deeper sound and polycarbonate producing a more resonant sound. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile.
Interestingly, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Cherry MX Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro share the use of nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite the similarities in bottom housing materials, differences in sound profile may still be present due to the additional impact of the top housing material. However, it is evident that the use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches creates a consistent sound quality that enhances the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro ultimately comes down to the sound profile preferences of the user. The Cherry MX Red's combination of a nylon top and bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing creates a sharper and clearer sound. Understanding how each housing material impacts the sound profile can help users make an informed decision based on their desired typing experience. Whether seeking a softer and duller sound or a crisper and more resonant sound, the choice between these switches lies in the nuances of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the MX Red requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 40 grams. However, the MX Red has no specified bottom out force, while the V3 Silver Pro has a light bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while the MX Red may require more force to trigger a keystroke, the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter typing experience when bottoming out. This makes the MX Red ideal for those who prefer a slightly heavier key feel, while the V3 Silver Pro is better suited for those who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience, catering to individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that the MX Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.3 mm travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro. The MX Red is the more traditional option with a slightly longer travel distance, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a shorter distance for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches provide a smooth linear feel, but the MX Red may offer a more substantial keypress due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired key response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red 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 Red for $4.00.
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.
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 Cherry MX Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, generating a deep and rich sound profile that resonates with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is described as having a high-pitched sound, which provides a crisp and sharp auditory feedback. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the MX Red offering a more bass-heavy tone compared to the V3 Silver Pro.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is recognized for its textured sensation, providing users with a tactile feedback that some find satisfying. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch boasts an easy-to-press and creamy feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The V3 Silver Pro switch also incorporates a feathery, polished, and silky feel, emphasizing minimal resistance and smooth key travel for a comfortable typing session. While the MX Red offers a bit more friction in its texture, the V3 Silver Pro focuses on a light and effortless typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that both the Cherry MX Red and Akko V3 Silver Pro switches have their own strengths when it comes to sound and feel. The MX Red excels in providing a heftier feel and deeper sound profile, ideal for users who appreciate a more robust typing experience. In comparison, the V3 Silver Pro emphasizes light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and a smooth, low-impact feel, catering to gamers and those seeking a comfortable, responsive typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both switches offer quality components that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Red linear switch or the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences and needs. If you prefer a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile for a robust typing experience, along with a low-pitched and thocky sound, the MX Red may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick and effortless keystrokes, along with a high-pitched and creamy feel, then the V3 Silver Pro could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
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