Akko
Akko CS Crystal Silver switch
Best smooth linear switches for budget conscious enthusiasts.
The Akko CS Crystal Silver is a linear mechanical switch designed for gaming, featuring a full polycarbonate construction for an optimized RGB experience. It boasts a short pre-travel of 1mm and an early actuation at 43g, with a bottom-out force of 48g at 3mm total travel. This switch utilizes a 22mm extension spring and is manufactured by Akko, offering a fast and responsive feel ideal for competitive play.
$14.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
4379
/ 6542
#4379 in Keyboard Keys & Caps
Price vs Category Average
-65%
Below average
Type
Linear
/ Linear
Who it's for
- Gamers seeking a competitive edge in fast-paced titles.
- Users desiring a fluid, consistent typing and gaming experience.
- Budget-conscious builders seeking high-performance switches without overspending.
Who should skip it
- Typists and enthusiasts who prefer a lower-pitched, muted keyboard sound.
- Perfectionists expecting uniform smoothness from every switch without modification.
- Typists accustomed to standard travel distances or those prone to bottoming out.
Key Specs
Type
Linear
Actuation Force
43g
Bottom-Out Force
48g
Pre-Travel
1.0mm
Total Travel
3.0mm
Mount
3-pin (Plate)
Spring
22mm extension
Stem Material
PC
Features
- Full polycarbonate construction
- Optimized RGB experience
- Short pre-travel for fast actuation
- Ideal for gaming
- 22mm extension spring
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Akko CS Crystal Silver switches for their exceptional smoothness and light actuation force, contributing to a comfortable typing experience. Many reviewers highlight the pleasing sound profile, often described as crisp or poppy, which enhances the overall feel. A significant theme is the outstanding value these switches offer, performing remarkably well for their accessible price point. Users appreciate the consistent quality and enjoyable performance, making them a popular choice.
Know before you buy
The Crystal Silver is designed specifically for speed. With a very short 1mm pre-travel and a 22mm extension spring, it provides a snappy, responsive feel that is noticeably faster than traditional linear switches.
These are 3-pin switches, which are compatible with most hot-swappable mechanical keyboards. If your keyboard PCB supports 5-pin switches, these will still fit, but you should check that your plate is compatible with the 3-pin mounting style.
The polycarbonate housing is transparent, which allows for excellent RGB light diffusion. It also contributes to a slightly crisper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to switches made with nylon or other plastics.
The 43g actuation is quite light, which is great for gaming and reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. However, if you have a heavy typing style, you might find yourself accidentally triggering keys more often than you would with a heavier switch.
While these switches are factory-lubed for a smooth experience, enthusiasts often choose to apply additional lubricant to further refine the sound and feel. They are perfectly usable as-is, but manual lubing can help eliminate any minor scratchiness.
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$15