Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, one can see the distinct differences in their characteristics. The Akko V3 Silver Pro is specifically tailored for gamers, boasting a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Akko V3 Silver Pro is described as 'Creamy' and 'Silky', the Everglide Tourmaline Blue is labeled as 'Buttery' and 'Mild'. Each switch has its own unique advantages and appeals, 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
40g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13.8mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Overall, the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material choice also allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The V3 Silver Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and clear sound profile associated with this material.
In terms of typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in the overall feel and sound of the switch. With the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing, users can expect a more muted and rounded sound when bottoming out keys, creating a different tactile experience compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key, highlighting the crisp and resonant qualities of polycarbonate in both switches. While they may have different bottom housing materials, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to various preferences.
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The V3 Silver Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile throughout. Both switches benefit from the clarity and resonance of polycarbonate in their top housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience. Whether you prefer a softer, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper tone, these switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Akko V3 Silver Pro is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The V3 Silver Pro provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a gentle touch for extended periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Tourmaline Blue offers a more traditional travel distance, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a shorter distance that is favored by gamers for faster response times. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with the Tourmaline Blue offering a more substantial feel and the V3 Silver Pro catering to those who prefer a quicker keystroke. Ultimately, both switches provide a unique typing experience, but users may find one more suitable based on their preferences for 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched and crisp sound profile, which can be sharp and distinct when pressed. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement that makes it suitable for a wider range of users and purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue over extended typing sessions. Additionally, it is described as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is characterized as buttery and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal force required for activation. The mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue switch make it approachable to most users in terms of feel.
Overall, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the V3 Silver Pro switch leans towards a sharper sound profile and a more polished typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a balanced sound and a smooth, buttery feel. Depending on whether you prefer a high-pitched, crisp sound with gentle key presses, or a neutral sound with a more fluid typing experience, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your priorities. If you are a gamer looking for a light and effortless typing experience with a pleasing bassy sound, the V3 Silver Pro switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a deep and thocky sound profile with a balanced feel that is enjoyable for a wide range of users, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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