Tag Cream Yellow

Akko kicks of the 3rd series of their switches with the release of the V3 Cream Yellow and V3 Cream Blue. As those familiar with switches probadly guessed; the blue ones are tactile and the yellow of the linear kind. We are taking a look at the linear version today, provided for review by Akkogear.de.

Packaging

Just like the Snow Blue Grey switches these come with a new art style on the box wrapper. In the box it is still the same trusted and nice packaging Akko has provided with their other switches in. Every switch is individually placed in a plastic box which can easily be opened. The benefit of this packaging is that the risk of getting bend pins is reduced to almost zero. Storage and sortage of switches is also easy with these boxes as they are small and colored differently for each type of switch.

V3 Cream Yellow up close

You might have guessed the switches have a mostly yellow color to them, they remind me of these sweet banana candys. The bottom is made of PA, the housing a semi-transparant PC material and the stem is made out of POM. All of these parts have a yellow color scheme. Akko has used one of their extension springs here which is 18mm in lenght.

• Type: Linear
• Operating Force: 50 ± 5gf
• Total Travel: 3.5±0.3mm
• Pre-Travel: 1.9±0.3mm
• Tactile Position: N/A
• End Force: 58gf ± 5gf

Testing time!

I used the switches in a Monsgeek M1 keyboard, which was reviewed as well, and paired these with the MARRS keycaps from Akko. These keycaps have a cherry profile and had no compatiblity issues with these switches thanks to the extended pole used on the stem. I used the switches together with the Akko Jelly blacks which have a comparible operating force.

Typing experience

The Cream Yellow switches are pretty similair to Gateron Yellow in specs and are in the same ball park of Akko’s Jelly Blacks when it comes to the operating force of the switch. They do feel different to type on compared to the blacks though. The feeling is indeed buttery creamy mainly thanks to the different housing material. There is just a little bit amount of scratching when you listen up close but overall they are very consistent. Wobbling is minimal to none. From what I have heard from others, these are an improved Matcha Green feeling wise. I personally haven’t used the Matcha Greens though. Compared to the Gateron Yellow the Cream Yellows feel more consistant.

Sound

The Cream Yellow’s provide a nice creamy, clacky sound which appeals to me personally. Like feeling and feedback of switches this tends to be a personal thing. The material of the keyboard used is also a factor in this.

Gaming with the V3 Cream Yellow

The V3 cream yellow is a pleasant switch to use for gaming. It is a bit heavier then something like a Cherry Red which a lot of gamers use. I wouldn’t recommend these for people who want the fastest response while playing CS-GO. However If you are looking for a good overall switch with a smooth feedback and a little bit of resistance this might be a very balanced switch for you. I am not a heavy e-sports FPS gamer and I personally had a very good time using these switches while playing Hitman 3 and Atomic heart among other games.

Switch tester

Having a hard time deciding which type of switch you would like to use or compare some type of switches against one another? One option is to use a switch tester. The Akko x Monsgeek switch tester lets you try out 16 different switches from Akko, TTC and Cherry. The include the V3 creal Yellow and V3 Cream blue but also the Classic Cherry Red and the poplair Jelly Black and Purple switches. You can order the switch tester directly from Akkogear.de for €7,99 (ex.VAT). It’s a cost effective way to try out some of the most popular Akko switches without having to buy a whole package.

Value and conclusion

The price of these switches are very competitive at €8,99/$8,99 (ex. tax) for 45 switches. For this price you are getting very smooth switches straight out of the box which get even better after lubing. I can recommend these switches to people looking for a nice, smooth switch for mixed usage. These strike a nice balance between price and performance. They are not the heaviest, not the lightest switch and will probably appeal to most people sound-wise. These are perfect for people who use their keyboard for mixed usage like gaming and other everyday tasks.