Cherry Nixie vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and Akko V3 Silver Pro stand out as top contenders. The Cherry Nixies are revered classics known for their substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation through Cherry's MX2A update. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are specifically engineered for gamers, offering effortless keystrokes, pleasing bassy sound, and light actuation force. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater 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
63.5g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry Nixie and the Akko V3 Silver Pro are quite different. The Nixie features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro's clear polycarbonate housing is ideal for RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing component to the switch.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both the Nixie and the V3 Silver Pro boast nylon bottom housings. As a classic switch housing material, nylon in the bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to that of the top housing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. Therefore, users can expect a consistent sound experience throughout the keystroke with either switch due to the presence of nylon in their bottom housings.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to note that the qualities of each material will influence different aspects. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, whether using the Cherry Nixie with its nylon top housing or the Akko V3 Silver Pro with its polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a distinct sound and feel based on the respective qualities of these materials in the top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro is much lighter at 40 grams. Likewise, the Nixie requires a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it heavier compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 45 grams. The Nixie provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, which some may prefer for added feedback and stability. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter touch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions and gaming without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a standard travel distance for mechanical keyboard switches. The Cherry Nixie switch provides a slightly longer keystroke compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro offers a slightly shallower keystroke, which can be advantageous for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.15.
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.
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 Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch provides a high-pitched and sharp sound, catering to users who prefer a crisper sound profile. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry Nixie switch is recognized for its textured typing experience, adding a noticeable friction when pressed for a tactile feel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, featuring a creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing sensation. These characteristics contribute to reduced finger fatigue and an overall comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for extended gaming or work sessions.
Considering all the available information, it's evident that the Cherry Nixie and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Nixie switch provides a more traditional and textured typing experience with a thocky, low-pitched sound, the V3 Silver Pro switch focuses on smooth, easy-to-press keystrokes with a creamy, feathery feel and a high-pitched sound. Depending on personal preferences and the intended use case, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenario. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a substantial feel, the Cherry Nixie switch with its textured typing experience and low-pitched sound may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for a light and easy-to-press switch with a creamy, feathery feel and a high-pitched sound, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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