| Switch Type: Linear | Mount: PCB Mount (5-pin) | Spring: Single Stage | Price: £10 (45pcs) on Akko |
| Top Housing: PC | Bottom Housing: PA66 | Stem: PA12 | Factory Lubed: Yes |
| Actuation Point (mm): | 2.2 ± 0.5 | Actuation Point (mm): | 2.02 |
| Actuation Force (gf): | 50 ± 5 | Actuation Force (gf): | 45.6 |
| Total Travel (mm): | 3.5 ± 0.2 | Total Travel (mm): | 3.42 |
| Reset Point (mm): | 2.0 | Reset Point (mm): | 2.01 |
| Bottom-out Force (gf): | 55 | Bottom-out Force (gf): | 51.2 |
| Stem Length (mm): | 13.87 | ||
DISCLAIMER | Please Read:
These switches were sent by Akko for review and testing purposes. No one paid me to write this review, and impartiality will always be a top priority here at KeebWorks.
TL;DR
The Akko Creamy Yellow Pro V5 is an upgrade from the Akko V3 Cream Yellow. The V5 switch is slightly smoother and more consistent for roughly the same price as the V3.
However, if you already have the V3, the V5 is a very minor upgrade. The V5 is intended for those using older, scratchy linear switches like the Cherry MX Red (or similar).
Smoothness: 9/10
On-centre keypresses are smooth with only light scratchiness and inconsistencies at very slow keypresses.
Off-centre keypresses are also smooth with only light scratchiness and inconsistencies at very slow keypresses. This is exactly the performance you want as it shows extremely consistent performance from both keypress types.
Overall, these are extremely smooth with only the very best HE switches able to beat them.
switch disassembled.
Weighting: 7/10
Now, according to Akko these switches have an actuation force of 50g at 2.0mm and a bottom-out force of 55g at 3.5mm.
Akko Creamy Yellow Pro (V5) force curve.
As you can see from the force curve above, the Akko Creamy Yellow Pro V5 is well within spec.
Akko Creamy Yellow Pro (V5) consistency force curve.
They’re also relatively consistent, with only some minor deviations from one another. Switch 3 has a slightly heavier and longer travel when compared Switch 1 and 2 downstroke wise, but they’re all still within spec.
Akko Creamy Yellow Pro (V5) vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow force curve.
The force curve above shows the comparison between the Akko Creamy Yellow Pro V5 and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow. The V3’s weighting matches the V5 until around 0.8mm where the V3’s weighting increases further down the travel. This applies to both the up and downstroke.
Akko Creamy Yellow Pro (V5) vs. Gateron Yellow force curve.
The force curve above shows the comparison between the Akko Creamy Yellow Pro V5 and the Gateron Yellow. This is an interesting comparison as the V5 is noticeably heavier at the start of its travel. It isn’t until the V5’s actuation point that the Gateron Yellow start to outweigh it.
Overall, I found these switches a little light sometimes, but their extremely consistent performance makes up for it. The improvements are also noticeable compared to its predecessor – the V3, mainly in the consistency department. The weighting is largely the same, and it isn’t a necessary upgrade if you already have the V3.
Sound: 6/10
These were clearly designed to be used for a thocky build given their sound profile. If sound is important to you, and if you’re going to build a thocky keyboard, these would fit the bill nicely.
Overall, I’m not a fan of their sound. However, even though they aren’t for my keyboard, they’re still rather decent.
The Akko Creamy Yellow Pro (V5) stem length is 13.87mm.
Typing Performance: 8/10
The Akko Creamy Yellow Pro V5 is lubed from the factory, and the lubing application was done evenly as to not negatively affect performance.
In turn, typing on these is an absolute joy. Again, I need to reiterate this: I would probably bash this switch for being too light for my preferences, and it is. But its consistency performance more than makes up for it as I can happily type on them without making too many mistakes. It’s easy to overlook that, but it shouldn’t be.
Overall, I was initially afraid that Akko just released an old switch with a slightly different name, but I’m glad to report that the V5 is a noticeable improvement over its predecessor. As a side note, I stated that the V3 would never become my daily driver, but with the V5? I can see that possibility. It’s definitely closer to a yes than a no this time around.
Gaming Performance: 8/10
Let’s first start with slow-paced games as the switch struggled here a bit. Perhaps it’s because of the lubing, but there were slight hesitations and sluggishness where the switch just didn’t perform consistently when pressed down and released. It’s definitely not the end of the world, but it is something to note.
On the flip side, it didn’t suffer any of the stated issues above in fast-paced games. I managed to play and enjoy rounds of Team Fortress 2 without even thinking about the switches. Yes, if the switches “disappear” in the background, it’s a good thing.
Overall, they’re ideal switches for fast-paced gaming, but I’d take a second look elsewhere if you tend to play slower paced games.
Final Score = 38/50 (76%)
Places to purchase this switch:
Akko | MonsGeek | Thocc Exchange