Huano Acacia vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and Akko V3 Crystal Pro offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in an outstanding typing experience straight out of the box. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro switches boast a fully polycarbonate construction, which not only enhances their durability but also contributes to their unique bright and chirpy sound signature. This combination results in a silky smooth typing experience that many users find appealing. Choosing between the two switches boils down to personal preference: the Acacia may be favored by those seeking a reliable, consistent feel with a refined sound, while the V3 Crystal Pro might attract those who prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback paired with an exceptionally smooth keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a similar acoustic performance. The polycarbonate material's stiffness is key to delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. This shared characteristic makes them particularly well-suited for environments that benefit from clear and resonant audio feedback, such as gaming or typing sessions. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches. Thus, users can expect comparable sound qualities and visual effects when using either switch if they prioritize a bright and clear auditory experience paired with attractive lighting.
Contrasting the bottom housings, the Huano Acacia employs nylon, which significantly alters the switch's sound profile compared to the Akko V3 Crystal Pro’s polycarbonate material. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, effectively absorbing sound and reducing resonance. This results in a dampened auditory experience that softens the impact of the bottom-out sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro maintains the sharper sound profile consistent with the top housing, producing a consistent audio signature across the switch. As a result, while the Acacia offers a warm and rounded feel, the V3 Crystal Pro provides a clear and crisp auditory feedback that is more aligned with its top housing.
When considering the combined effects of both housings, the Huano Acacia harmonizes its softer nylon bottom with the sharper polycarbonate top, creating a unique sound signature that blends both warmth and clarity. Users can expect a nice balance where the bottom-out feel incorporates a rounded depth, while the release adds a crispness to the sound. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, with its uniform polycarbonate construction in both the top and bottom, results in a more consistent sound profile that emphasizes clarity throughout the entire keystroke. This significant difference in construction materials will influence user experience, guiding enthusiasts towards choosing based on both preferred sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force reveal distinct characteristics that may cater to different typing preferences. The Acacia switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, in contrast to the V3 Crystal Pro's actuation force of 48 grams. This slight difference makes the Acacia feel less strenuous during use, which might appeal to individuals who type for extended periods or prefer a lighter touch. However, both switches have comparable bottom out forces, with the Acacia at 55 grams and the V3 Crystal Pro at 60 grams, suggesting that the experience of bottoming out may feel firmer with the Akko switch. Ultimately, the Acacia is the lighter option overall, making it ideal for those seeking a more effortless typing experience, while the heavier V3 Crystal Pro might be better suited for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Acacia switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can be more appealing for gamers looking for faster response times and a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro’s greater travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for users who appreciate deeper key presses, making it less abrupt and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter 3.5 mm travel of the Acacia is advantageous, whereas if you prefer a more hearty keystroke, the 3.8 mm distance of the V3 Crystal Pro might be the better choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is known for a sound profile that is subtle and understated, creating a relatively muted auditory experience ideal for those who prefer quieter environments while typing or gaming. The sound is harmonious with moderately dampened key presses, which contrasts sharply with the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch. The latter produces a distinctly brighter and chirpy sound due to its fully polycarbonate construction, which imparts a unique acoustic signature. This chirpiness introduces a lively and engaging characteristic, making it appealing for users who enjoy more auditory feedback from their keystrokes.
When it comes to feel, the Huano Acacia switch offers a medium-light weight, facilitating a comfortable typing experience that requires minimal effort. The generous factory lubrication contributes to a smooth operation, minimizing any potential stem wobble and promoting a stable feel that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro switch takes the typing experience up a notch with its bouncy sensation. The combination of a refined, polished finish and a spring-like feedback gives the user a lively sense of rebound upon pressing the keys. This results in smoother key travel and reduced friction, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy a dynamic, responsive feel while typing.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches differ in sound and feel, both offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences. The Acacia excels in providing a quieter yet enjoyable typing experience, whereas the V3 Crystal Pro stands out for its bright sound and lively tactile feedback. Whichever switch you choose, you'll find that both classifiers deliver excellent performance and can cater to specific typing styles, ultimately enhancing your overall keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you prefer a switch that is medium-light and offers a smooth and polished typing feel straight out of the box, then the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble contribute to a comfortable and satisfying experience, making it particularly suitable for extended typing sessions or casual gaming when you want less resistance. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced sound profile and a touch more force behind your keystrokes, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro might be the better option for you. With its unique chirpy sound signature and bouncy, lively feel, this switch offers an engaging experience that is particularly appealing for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a bit more actuation weight. Ultimately, consider what aspects of the typing experience are most important to you—be it sound, feel, or actuation force—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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