Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch that provides a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth feel, ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience and a creamy tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, also a linear switch, offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is best suited for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for a satisfying and smooth typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue appeals to users seeking a more immersive and bouncy feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, we can see that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing touch to the switches. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder typing experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro sets it apart from the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. This difference in bottom housing material affects the overall typing experience, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro providing a deeper sound profile due to the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, emphasizing the crispness and sharpness of each key press. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how different materials can impact the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference. While both switches offer a polycarbonate top housing for a defined sound profile and RGB lighting compatibility, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller typing experience compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a more rounded, absorbing typing experience, each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch both offer a smooth typing experience, but they differ in actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a slightly softer typing feel. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience. While both switches fall into the medium range, the Tourmaline Blue can be considered medium-heavy compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier force of the Tourmaline Blue for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue offers a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being shorter and the Tourmaline Blue being longer in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound profile, providing a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch delivers a deep and thocky sound, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro being more poppy and clacky, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a deeper and more immersive typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing a light actuation force and reduced finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Tourmaline Blue switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering a responsive and comfortable feel, with the Cream Yellow Pro being feather-light and bouncy, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a smooth and uniform typing experience.
Considering the available information, it is evident that the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switches offer unique sound and feel profiles to cater to different preferences. While the Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy and clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Tourmaline Blue delivers a deep and thocky sound with a buttery and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with users likely to find similar results in terms of sound and feel depending on their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a satisfying auditory experience and smooth tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel and standard spring weight, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and budget, so consider these factors carefully before making your decision.
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