- Akko MOD008
- Akko Creamy Purple Pro
- DCS Solarized Dark Dye Sub PBT Cherry
Sound Test:
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I am typing on these right now, and they are fine. But the Creamy Purple Pro have some interesting QC issues. A long-term review might be helpful.
In terms of typing characteristics, the switches are as promised: They are clacky/snappy medium-heavy or heavy tactiles that give a creamy sound when typing, and on bottom-out.
They are (subjectively) less-tactile than a Holy Boba or Zealio V2, but more tactile than an MX Brown. If you press on them with minimal MX Brown top-force, they won’t even budge. A very P or D-shaped long-pole tactile, very non MX Brown.
But the QC issues:
There are two main types of QC issues I have experienced with these.
1. Inconsistent lubing.
Many, even most of the Creamy Purple are lubed acceptably from factory. They are within a certain expected range of sound and function.
About 3 of mine [out of 90] were scratchy. Instead of a creamy / clacky sound, there is a flat and hollow scratch or shuffling. It’s like a higher-pitched and more plasticy version of Cherry scratch.
I have read of up to 25% percent of some people’s batches sounding this way.
Listening closely with one of them (in a board), it sounds as if I can hear a spring scraping or ringing.
2. Catching
One of the switches, that I had put on the “/” socket, actually would catch when typing. As in, it would not fully depress. Or wobble and become crooked when depressed. So the internals were out of alignment, somehow.
I replaced that switch with a different one, and the new Creamy Purple switch functioned properly.
Conclusion
The Creamy Purple Pro are mostly good at what they are advertised for: a typing switch with a factory-lubed sound.
However, there are some QC issues. About 5% of my switches demonstrated issues. Some people reported issues with 25% of switches. These AKKO switches are affordable. You may wish to pick up about 25% more switches than you think you need. Since these are discounted during sales, it’s not an unreasonable proposition. You can get 90 for about $38 CAD all-in during sales, so another $19 CAD for spares may be acceptable to some buyers.
You’re essentially getting a ready-made, lubed medium-heavy or heavy tactile, something like a Blueberry Chiffon with sharp escalating bump, for $0.42 CAD each, so it’s not so bad to pick up extras. But it is a consideration. I think that these switches are ideal for a hotswap PCB in something like a Neo80 or Xinmeng M87 Pro, being affordable or easy-to-modify keyboards.
Don’t get me wrong. Thanks to those who brought these to people’s attention. I think this is a good typing switch, and the positive reviews of its characteristics are accurate. I would just caution people to buy more than they think they will need.
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Thanks for sharing. I’ve only had one switch “chatter” on me, which was quickly fixed by replacing it. I do have it in a board I cycle in and out of my daily drivers, so I’ll have to pay closer attention to it next time it’s up.
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Yes, I think a 1-5% error rate is more likely for most people.
Maybe it will be fixed in future batches anyway. I have another box of 45 on the way.
It just encourages “cherry-picking” is all.
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