SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both offer unique advantages. The Polaris Gray is favored for its bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is specifically designed for gamers, with effortless keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound. Its light actuation force and shortened travel distance are key advantages for competitive gaming scenarios. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that cater 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design of the keyboard.
In contrast, while the Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material in the V3 Silver Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is softer and absorbs more sound than polycarbonate. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both keyboards impacts the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound when letting go of a key. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials between the two keyboards, the use of polycarbonate in the top housings ensures that both the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Akko V3 Silver Pro deliver a similar sound experience with a sharp and clear sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Polaris Gray has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the V3 Silver Pro, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Polaris Gray requires 67 grams to bottom out, while the V3 Silver Pro only needs 45 grams, making it a lighter option. The Polaris Gray provides a medium-heavy typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push feel, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter touch, perfect for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Polaris Gray being the heavier option and the V3 Silver Pro being the lighter one.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Polaris Gray. The 4 mm distance is more traditional, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, while the 3.3 mm distance is shallower and preferred by gamers for its faster response times. Both options have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance providing quicker feedback and the longer travel distance offering a more satisfying keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched, neutral sound profile with a satisfying thocky sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch provides a high-pitched, sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. Depending on your preferences, the Polaris Gray may offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, while the V3 Silver Pro delivers a more sharp and rich sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth key travel. In comparison, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. The Polaris Gray switch falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro switch prioritizes light actuation force and reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, whether you choose the SP-Star Polaris Gray or the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, you can expect a smooth and satisfying typing experience. The Polaris Gray might be more suitable for those who prefer a bouncy typing feel with a clean and clacky sound, while the V3 Silver Pro is specifically engineered for gamers seeking effortless keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound. Both switches offer their unique qualities, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and use case scenarios. If you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clean, clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for effortless keystrokes with a light actuation force, pleasing bassy sound, and shortened travel distance for quick responses, the V3 Silver Pro would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize typing feel or gaming performance in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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