Kailh Sage vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Sage and the Akko V3 Silver Pro. The Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that offers a distinct typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness, making it invigorating and crunchy to use. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is a linear switch designed for gamers, providing smooth keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound, and boasting light actuation force and shortened travel distance for optimal gaming performance. While the Sage is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro is perfect for gamers seeking swift and precise key presses. 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
The housing materials for the Kailh Sage and Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are quite similar in terms of their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, offering both functionality and aesthetics. This shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures that users can expect a similar sound and feel when typing on either switch.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of housing material for the bottom. The Kailh Sage utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. Thanks to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that complements the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, offering users the same benefits of a deep and full sound, making it a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Kailh Sage and Akko V3 Silver Pro switches results in a well-balanced sound profile. While the top housing primarily affects the sound when keys are released, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. Despite these differences, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with a variety of sound profiles to suit different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that they have significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sage clicky switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, while its bottom out force is 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro linear switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Sage switch. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches caters to different preferences among users. Some may prefer the lighter force of the V3 Silver Pro for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier force of the Sage for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches play a crucial role in determining the typing feel and experience for users.
Travel distance
The Kailh Sage clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Sage being slightly longer, the difference may not be significant for most users. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Sage. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar tactile experience with a minor variation in travel distance.
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 Sage 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a crunchy typing experience, akin to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched sound with every keystroke, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct acoustic profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on personal sound preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Sage switch provides an invigorating tactile feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force, delivering a sharp and reactive typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch offers an easy-to-press sensation with gentle resistance, allowing for effortless typing and reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The Akko V3 Silver Pro also boasts creamy, feathery, polished, and silky descriptions, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a smooth and low-impact typing feel.
Considering all the available information, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Sage provides a weighty and sharp clickiness with a crunchy sound, combined with invigorating and sharp tactile feedback. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro delivers a pleasing bassy sound with a high-pitched tone, along with an easy-to-press and smooth typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, as both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between Kailh Sage clicky switches and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches, consider the type of experience you value most in a keyboard switch. If you prefer a heavy bottom out force, sharp clickiness, and an invigorating tactile feel with a crunchy sound, the Kailh Sage switches may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force, effortless keystrokes, and a smooth, low-impact typing experience with a high-pitched sound, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are likely more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more immersive, tactile typing experience.
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