Huano Acacia vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical switch for your keyboard, the Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro present two compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts, each bringing a unique set of qualities to the table. The Huano Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which together create a smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box, making it an excellent choice for users prioritizing comfort and consistency. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro captures the attention of budget-conscious mechanical keyboard fans with its delightful poppy sound and decent smoothness, offering a vibrant auditory experience combined with a creamy tactile feel—ideal for those who seek a lively sensation while they type. While both switches cater to different preferences and user needs, their distinct characteristics can influence your overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro share notable similarities in their construction, particularly in the materials used for their top and bottom switch housings. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making both switches ideal for users who prefer a clear and resonant auditory feedback during typing. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate enables vibrant RGB lighting effects, as its transparency allows light to emanate beautifully through the housing. Users can expect to achieve a similar aesthetically pleasing and acoustically resonant experience with both switches due to this common top housing material.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches differ significantly, as they are made of nylon. This classic switch housing material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Consequently, while the Acacia and V3 Cream Yellow Pro will share similar auditory characteristics when it comes to the top housing, the combination of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches leads to a rounder and more subdued sound when the keys are bottomed out. Thus, the acoustic experience when typing will be characterized by a coalescence of the crisp sounds emanating from the polycarbonate top and the richer tones produced by the nylon bottoms in both switches.
When considering the overall performance, users can anticipate a nuanced typing experience from both switches, albeit with different sound profiles stemming from the distinct properties of the materials. The polycarbonate tops will provide a sharp and resonant feel, while the nylon bottoms will bolster a deeper, more fulfilling auditory feedback upon key press. Therefore, while the Acacia and V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilize identical materials for their top housings, the unique interaction between the polycarbonate and nylon in each switch allows for a blend of clarity and warmth, offering typists a versatile sound experience that caters to diverse preferences. This combination assures that the preferences for either sound clarity or tonal depth are well catered for, resulting in a satisfying performance in both switches.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offer different experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 50 grams of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance during typing. Similarly, the Acacia's bottom out force is 55 grams, which is also lighter than the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's 60 grams. This means that those who opt for the Acacia switch might find it easier to type for extended periods or during long gaming sessions, while users looking for a more substantial feel should consider the Akko switch due to its heavier forces. Overall, if lightness and ease of use are priorities, the Huano Acacia is the preferred choice, whereas the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro caters to those who appreciate a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, the Acacia measures 3.5 mm, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Acacia the longer option between the two. The difference in travel distances may cater to different user preferences; gamers often favor the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for its shorter distance, allowing for quicker response times, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel might lean towards the Acacia. Ultimately, both switches provide unique experiences based on the travel distance, with the Acacia offering more depth and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro delivering a more immediate keystroke response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for its quiet operation, providing a subdued auditory experience that makes it ideal for both office environments and casual gaming situations where noise levels should be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that injects a lively character into typing sessions. This combination of noise and smoothness can create a more engaging atmosphere, appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback from their keystrokes. However, it's essential to keep in mind that the switch's sound can vary based on the keyboard plate material and keycap choices, which could result in different experiences even with the same switch.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia linear switch provides a well-balanced typing experience with medium-light actuation weight and minimal stem wobble. This results in a solid yet comfortable typing engagement, making it suitable for long typing sessions right out of the box. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, feathery lightness, and bouncy feedback. These switches require minimal force to actuate, which enhances the overall comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, their snappy responsiveness and polished finish contribute to a sensation of effortless key travel, making them a delight for both gamers and typists alike.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a quieter and subtly satisfying typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch stands out with its lively sound and light, responsive feel. Both switches cater to specific preferences, so newcomers can choose based on their priorities—sound versus overall ease and comfort. Ultimately, whether opting for the Acacia or the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, both can deliver a rewarding experience tailored to individual typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, you should consider the specific qualities that align with your typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a lighter feel and a smoother typing experience right out of the box, the Acacia switches would be your best bet. With their medium-light weight of 55 grams and excellent factory lubrication, these switches provide a polished and comfortable experience, making them ideal for long typing sessions or extensive gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more tactile experience with a satisfying auditory feedback and don’t mind a slightly firmer resistance, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches, with their 60 grams bottom-out force, are a fantastic choice. Their unique combination of a poppy, clacky sound profile and feathery ease of pressing makes them great for those who enjoy a lively and responsive typing atmosphere. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a silky, streamlined experience or prefer something with more character and sound, shaping your keyboard to fit your unique style and usage.
Mentioned in this article
