Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, a linear switch, one can immediately see the unique characteristics that set them apart. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile along with a smooth tactile sensation, making it ideal for users who value a lively feedback. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep and thocky sound with a bouncy feel, offering a satisfying typing experience. While the Cream Blue Pro is accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Tourmaline Blue is buttery, easy-to-press, mild, and neutral. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience.
While the top housing of both switches is made of polycarbonate, the difference in bottom housing materials impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent in the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key, making it an important factor in overall typing sound quality.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue play a significant role in the sound profiles of these switches. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp and clear sound profile, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound experience. The Tourmaline Blue, on the other hand, maintains consistency in its sound profile with a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a crisper sound overall. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch. The V3 Cream Blue Pro requires 45 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 55 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue needs 59 grams to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, categorized as medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the better option. However, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. Both switches provide similar results in terms of key response, but the difference in weight may cater to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Tourmaline Blue's 4 mm. The Cream Blue Pro's shorter travel distance may cater more to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Tourmaline Blue's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is known for its distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, providing an audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience with a bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being more lively and audible, while the Tourmaline Blue is more immersive and satisfying.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile experience that is smooth, responsive, and refined. Meanwhile, the Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, offering a smooth, gentle typing experience that is effortless, comfortable, and approachable to most users. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro focuses on providing a tactile and responsive typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue emphasizes a smooth and low-impact typing feel.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The V3 Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively, tactile feedback with a distinct sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a deep and thocky sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to customize their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, in choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prioritize a budget-friendly option with a lively and audible feedback paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel that strikes a balance in spring weight, the Tourmaline Blue switch could be your best choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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