Akko V3 Cream Yellow

Switch Specifications:

Switch Type:	Linear
Mount Type:	Plate Mount
Travel Distance:	1.9mm Actuation | 3.5mm Total
Force:	50g Operating | 58g Bottom-out
Price:	$8.99 (45 pieces)

The Akko V3 Cream Yellow is part of Akko’s ultra-low cost switch line-up coming in at $8.99 for 45 switches, or roughly £0.20 per switch! This is very similar to Gateron’s stock line-up. Plus, judging from its force curve, Akko has specifically positioned this switch to target the Gateron Yellow. It does have “Yellow” in the name after all.

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Here’s the video review if you prefer watching content:

DISCLAIMER | Please Read:

These switches were sent by Akko for review and testing purposes. I was NOT PAID in any way to write this review. Impartiality will always be a top priority here at KeebWorks; this one included.

TL;DR

You might want to check these out if you’re looking to buy Gateron Yellows. These are a solid choice too. Plus, they might be cheaper where you are.

Other than that, I wouldn’t call it an “upgrade” or a “better” Gateron Yellow, just an alternative. Nothing more.

Smoothness: 7/10

On-centre keypresses are very smooth with only hints of scratchiness at slow keypresses. There is nothing to worry about here.

Off-centre keypresses however, are noticeably scratchier at slow to medium keypresses, but not so much for faster keypresses. Additionally, I can hear some of the scratchiness when typing in a quiet room.

Overall, this is impressive stuff for such a cheap switch, but it could do with a few more refining.

Akko V3 Cream Yellow switch disassembled.

Weighting: 5/10

According to Akko, these switches have actuation force of 50g at 1.9mm and a bottom-out force of 58g at 3.5mm.

From these numbers, we can deduce that the Akko V3 Cream Yellow is trying to compete with MX clones. And from the name alone, we can say it’s probably targeting the Gateron Yellow (maybe even the Gateron Black too).

Onto the weighting side of things, I can tell you that Akko switch is very similar; almost indistinguishable from the Gateron Yellow. It’s honestly quite hard to tell which is which even in a side-to-side comparison. In my opinion, this is a good. It means Akko has beautifully nailed the weighting. And yes, they’re also very consistent – this sort of goes without saying at this point. Also, the slightly shorter total travel (3.5mm) isn’t awfully noticeable unless you’ve become used to full-travel switches (4mm).

However, with all those positives. This isn’t a switch for me. I find the weighting simply too light for everyday use. They aren’t terrible by any means though.

Overall, they’re extremely consistent. It’s a good middle ground, but I still find them a bit too light. I do look forward to a heavier version though. Make it happen Akko!

Sound: 6/10

This one doesn’t have the signature clackiness of the POM switches. In fact, it’s on the quiet side. This is likely due to the switch construction with the top housing being made of PC and a bottom housing being made of PA instead of an all-around POM. They do however use the Akko CS 18mm extension spring – the same one on the POM Brown. So, it’s definitely not the spring making the difference here.

Overall, they’re on the quieter side and sound pretty decent. I prefer a ‘clackier’ sound signature though.

Typing Performance: 5/10

It’s not a switch for typists. I, at least wouldn’t these for typing. They’re too light, and a bit scratchy at slower keypresses. They didn’t ‘disappear’ when I used them – which usually is not a good sign as that meant there was always something that bothered me. Whether it was the hints of scratchiness or its light weighting, there was something that always annoyed me a little.

However, the switches are extremely consistent when it comes down to weighting – an Akko staple at this point.

Overall, the light weighting aside, it’s not a bad switch for typing, but would it become my daily driver at some point? That’s a no.

Gaming Performance: 7/10

Gaming is where this switch truly shines. But why in gaming of all areas? Easy. Weighting consistency. This alone makes them very predictable ensuring you can rely on them at all times. Its smoothness is also ‘good enough’ for the most part, unless you’re playing a lot of slower paced games, and if you are, look for switches smoother than these.

Overall, other than the light weighting, there isn’t a downside I’ve noticed when gaming. They’ve been good; just nothing remarkable.

Final Score = 30/50 (60%)

 

Places to purchase this switch:

Akko | Amazon | Divinikey

Purchasing an Akko switch? (Affiliate Link)

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