Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, a tactile switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The V3 Cream Black Pro is praised for its high-quality construction, smooth feel, and unique poppy and clacky sound, making it a fantastic choice for budget-conscious individuals seeking a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple stands out for its exhilarating tactile bump, providing a distinct typing sensation that is complemented by a snappy sound profile. While the Cream Black Pro offers a creamy and bouncy feel, the Polaris Purple delivers a more neutral and mild tactile experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
20mm
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, it is evident that both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual dimension to the typing experience. However, where the keyboards differ is in the bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties, while the Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate bottom housing, allowing for a sharper and clearer sound profile.
The contrasting bottom housing materials of nylon in the V3 Cream Black Pro and polycarbonate in the Polaris Purple offer distinct typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Purple. This difference in material impacts the overall typing feel of each keyboard, with the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a softer typing experience while the Polaris Purple delivers a more resonant and distinct sound. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate bottom housings may come down to personal preference in typing feel and sound profile.
While both keyboards share a polycarbonate top housing, the V3 Cream Black Pro differentiates itself with a nylon bottom housing, while the Polaris Purple sticks to a polycarbonate bottom housing. This distinction leads to a noticeable variation in sound and typing feel between the two keyboards. The V3 Cream Black Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a unique typing experience with a deep and full sound profile, whereas the Polaris Purple's all-polycarbonate construction results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Whether you prefer the softer, more absorbent feel of the V3 Cream Black Pro or the clear and resonant sound of the Polaris Purple, both keyboards offer distinct benefits based on their choice of housing materials.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In comparison, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. While the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, both switches have a similar bottom out force, providing a consistent typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Purple for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, which is shorter than the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch with a travel distance of 4mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for a more responsive keyboard. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The SP-Star Polaris Purple 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 Purple for $5.00.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched and poppy sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level that is suitable for various typing environments. Depending on your preference for sound, the Cream Black Pro may appeal to those who enjoy a sharper sound, while the Polaris Purple is more versatile for different settings.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Black Pro is described as having a creamy and bouncy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with a lively bounce-back feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch is characterized as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Cream Black Pro having a bit more bounce and liveliness, while the Polaris Purple provides a smoother and gentler feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch stands out for its high-pitched and poppy sound along with a creamy and bouncy typing experience, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a sharp auditory feedback and lively keypresses. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a mild and polished typing experience, providing a versatile option for different preferences. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, both switches offer high-quality performance that will enhance your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a smooth and clacky typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch would be a great choice for you. The creamy and bouncy feel of these switches, combined with their high-pitched sound profile, make for an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a big tactile bump, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would be more suitable for you. The Polaris Purple switches offer a snappy and polished feel, with a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches would come down to your personal preference for feel and sound in a mechanical keyboard.
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