Akko Silver Switches Review & Sound Test (2023)

Want a silky smooth switch that’s FAST (and doesn’t destroy your wallet)?

This is my Akko Silver Switch Review and sound test.

My Overall Review: The Akko CS Silvers are probably the best linear switch from Akko. I’d describe them as perfectly “balanced.” They feel fast, light, and smooth right out of the box (without lube), and the sound is a balanced “buttery yet tappy.” For the price, they’re insanely good. 

I’ve tried over 30 linear switches, and the Akko Silvers are my 2nd favorite (just behind the Gateron Ink Black V2).

Here are some related switch reviews:

Akko Silver Sound Test:

Nice and tappy! The sound and feel have GROWN on me since making that video, too. The Akko Silvers are still in that keyboard!!

Akko Silver Switch Details:

I’ll be honest, I haven’t tried an Akko switch I didn’t enjoy, but the Silver switches are in a league all their own (even above the Akko Jelly Blacks, though it’s just my personal opinion)!

Akko CS Silver Switches for Gaming, 3 Pin 43gf Linear Keyboard Switches with 22mm Extension Spring, Compatible with...
  • Akko CS Switch Series – Akko Custom Series (CS) switches are 3-pin custom switches made for DIY enthusiasts to obtain satisfying typing feelings with more affordable options.
  • Silver 43gf Linear Switch – Akko Silver is equipped with dustproof stem for enhanced stability. With short pre-travel of 1mm, this is one of the fastest Akko CS switches and is ideal for gaming.
  • Built-in LED Slot – Akko CS key switches are equipped with LED slot ready for LED Mod/Assembly, and are SMD compatible (LED underneath the switch), giving you the flexibility to create a custom...

The silvers have the usual materials:

  • Stem: POM
  • Top Housing: Transparent PA
  • Bottom Housing: Silver-colored polycarbonate

If you don’t want to lube them (i.e. “stock), you can expect them to be a bit on the loud and sharp side–but it’s not annoying or anything.

TypeLinear (meaning there’s no tactile bump in the keystroke. It’s smooth all the way down and back up).
Operating Force45g (medium resistance)
Travel Distance1mm pre-travel (short) and 3mm total travel (short). This is what makes the Akko Silvers “speed” switches
PriceUnder $0.50 each on Amazon
SoundRight in the middle of “low-end butter smooth” and “high-end tappy smooth.” 
FeelIn a word? GREAT. The higher resistance (45g) combined with the shorter travel distance (3mm total travel) makes these feel perfect.

That said, just a LIGHT lubing can really make these switches sound SO much better. I definitely recommend it!

RGB shines through just fine, as they have semi-transparent upper housing.

Silver: Pros and Cons

PROS: ✅

  • Excellent price for what you get.
  • They genuinely do NOT need lubing. The stock sound and feel is incredible
  • Sounds fantastic
  • Low travel time makes these a “speed switch,” which is great for gaming (and typing too, honestly)

CONS: ❌

  • They’re hard to find on the internet
  • They might feel too “light” for some people.

That is the fewest “cons” out of any Akko linear switch I’ve tested btw!

Akko Silver Pricing:

They’re definitely budget-friendly at roughly $0.50 each!

You can get a 45-piece package for $18ish on Amazon, or for $16ish on AliExpress.

(or also from the Akko website for around $17ish, but they’re out of stock at the time of this writing).

Compare that with…

  • Boba U4: $0.65 per switch
  • Gateron Brown: $0.45 per switch
  • Glorious Pandas: $0.70 per switch
  • Akko Silver: $0.40 per switch

That’s a steal for how these switches feel & sound.

Akko Silver Sound & Feel

They’re budget, but are they worth it? YES.

Sound

I’m going to use the word “balanced” again.

They’re right in the middle of…

  • Really deep “low-end” butter sound (like the Gateron Milky Yellows, Ink Blacks, or Akko Jelly Blacks), and
  • High-end “tappy” sounds (like the Akko Matcha Green, Vintage White, and Rose Reds)

There is very little spring ping, even on the stock (unlubed) switches!

(they’re the only Akko linear that doesn’t have that problem to my ears).

The Silvers sound smooth and light, but not TOO light, ya know?

And yes, you can lube the silvers, (check out switch lubing guide here!) but the upgrade in sound and feel will be minimal. That’s quite unique as far as linear switches go.

Feel

“Balanced, light and fast.” 

Let’s talk about the “speed switch” thing for a second…

Are “speed switches” actually faster?

Honestly? I can’t really tell a difference in “speed switches” like the Akko Silvers, Cherry MX Speed Silvers, etc, from a “feel” perspective.

But that doesn’t mean they aren’t actually faster, from a key actuation perspective! 

The Akko Silver switches have a pre-travel time of only 1mm. That’s a very short distance before the key operates.

So even if they don’t feel much faster, they might actually be faster on your computer (but again, the difference is very minimal! It’s not like these will completely change your gaming experience entirely).

But overall, the Akko silvers have continued to grow on me the more I use them! (and apparently, many of you readers and viewers agree).

I usually take my switches out of my keyboard a week or so after I review them, but I left the silvers in for MONTHS.

Alternatives to Akko Silver Switches

First, check out this post: The 11 Best Linear Switches for 2023.

Here are some similar switches that I have tested and can recommend!

Akko Jelly Black

But they’re so DIFFERENT than the Silvers, I would almost put these in a category by themselves.

They are MUCH lower-pitched and with more resistance. The sound is muted and buttery-smooth (much like the Gateron Ink Blacks mentioned below, but on the budget side).

Akko Vintage Whites

Ok I know we’ve already mentioned this, and these are a LINEAR switch, but that’s about the only difference.

They’re still very smooth, but much higher in pitch (tappy), and with more resistance. I do like them though!.

Akko Matcha Green

I enjoy the Matcha Green switches as well, though they definitely need lubing!

Right out of the box, these will sound really pingy. But put some Krytox 205g on them, and they have a pleasant high-pitched tappy sound!

Gateron Ink Black V2

Click here to read our full review of the Ink Black V2 switches.

The Ink Blacks might be my favorite linear switch, period (but honestly, the Akko Silvers are a solid 2nd place).

They’re a bit more expensive (and equally hard to find), but they are SILKY smooth and buttery. A niche low-end, muted sound and the perfect resistance for a linear switch.

If you have two keyboards and want two linear switches? Grab the Ink Blacks and Akko Silvers 😎

Tecsee Carrot

Tecsee is definitely a budget brand (these are even cheaper than Akko switches), and the Carrot switches are worth mentioning because they also work really well out of the box (unlubed).

They don’t sound or feel quite as good as the Akko Silvers, but for the price they’re great. If you’re on a super low budget, give them a try.

Click here to read my Tecsee Carrot Review.

Bottom Line: Should you purchase the Akko Silvers?

If you’re a fan of linear switches, you should absolutely give the Akko Silvers a try. They’re one of the best linear switches on the market!

You can totally get by without lubing them, and they sound (and feel) perfectly balanced.

At $0.40 per switch, you can’t beat them.

Click here to grab the Silvers off Amazon!

Silver F.A.Q.s

Are Akko Silver switches good?

It all depends on what you’re looking for–but, in general, the Akko Silver switches are a fantastic budget linear switch that is fast and smooth. They have a “balanced” sound, and feel better than most premium switches! They’re my favorite linear switch from Akko.

How long do Akko switches last?

Akko’s switches are rated for up to 60 Million keystrokes, and they’re also built with the highest standards of quality (and they ship in very protective packaging as well).

Is Akko a good brand?

Out of all the budget mechanical keyboard manufacturers, Akko is definitely one of the best. It’s clear they take great care in their switch and keycap production (and they’re packaging is the best I’ve seen). I’ve been very impressed with everything I’ve received from them.

Are Akko switches 3 pin?

Yes, all Akko switches are 3-pin, “plate-mounted” switches. You can obviously still install them straight into 5-pin PCB slots, but there could be a slight wobble, depending on your keyboard

Which Akko CS switch is the best?

While it really comes down to preference, we recommend either the Akko Silver switches (if you want a good balance of light, smooth, and fast), or the Akko Vintage White switches if you want a lower-pitched and high-resistance linear switch. If you’d prefer tactile, we recommend the Akko CS Lavender.

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