Kailh Plum vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Plum and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, stands out for its weightiness without a pronounced tactile bump, providing a unique typing experience that is both hefty and distinctive. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a linear switch, is tailored for gamers with its effortless keystrokes and pleasing bassy sound, along with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for optimal performance in fast-paced scenarios. While the Plum is praised for its neutral sound profile and mild tactile feedback, the V3 Silver Pro excels in being easy-to-press and silky smooth. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. This similarity in housing material ensures that users can expect a consistent sound and aesthetic experience from both the Plum and the V3 Silver Pro.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material of the Kailh Plum is made of nylon, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro also features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with a focus on producing a fuller and deeper sound profile.
Overall, the different housing materials in the Kailh Plum and the Akko V3 Silver Pro allow for a unique typing experience for users. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile and RGB compatibility, the nylon bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials results in a balanced typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Ultimately, users can choose between the two switches based on their preferred sound profile and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch have significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Plum tactile switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the V3 Silver Pro linear switch is much lighter with a bottom out force of 45 grams. The Plum switch does not have a specified actuation force, while the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams. The lighter V3 Silver Pro switch would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier Plum switch would be better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Plum has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Silver Pro. The Plum switch may provide a slightly deeper keypress feel due to its longer travel distance, while the V3 Silver Pro switch may offer a slightly quicker response time with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness. If you prioritize a deeper keypress, the Plum switch may be the better option, while the V3 Silver Pro switch may be more suitable for those seeking a quicker response time.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
The subjective qualities of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer differing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Plum switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of users, while the V3 Silver Pro has a high-pitched sound that may appeal to those who prefer a crisper tone. When it comes to feel, the Plum switch provides a mild and stepped typing experience, offering a gentle typing sensation with a unique tactile feel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and low-impact typing feel ideal for gamers seeking quick responsiveness.
Overall, the Plum switch is characterized by its unique weightiness without a pronounced tactile bump, resulting in a neutral sound and a mild, stepped typing sensation. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro excels in providing a light actuation force, creamy smoothness, and feathery feel, along with a high-pitched sound suited for gaming scenarios where speed and responsiveness are crucial. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and performance requirements, but rest assured that both switches offer quality experiences tailored to different user needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a unique feel and neutral sound profile, the Plum might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for a light switch with a smooth, creamy feel and a high-pitched sound, the V3 Silver Pro could be the better option. Consider factors like bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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