Huano Acacia vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence both typing experience and sound profile. The Huano Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, making it an exceptional option for those seeking a smooth and efficient typing experience right from the moment of installation. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro, also a linear switch, stands out with its long pole design that not only delivers a lively, snappy sound signature but also offers a silky smooth actuation, combining auditory excitement with an enjoyable tactile feel. While the Acacia caters to users who prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro appeals to those who appreciate a bit of character in their keystrokes. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$3.39 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Piano Pro differ significantly in their top housing materials, which leads to distinct sound profiles during usage. The Acacia employs polycarbonate for its upper housing, noted for its stiffness and clarity. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a more resonant auditory experience, particularly under RGB lighting conditions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This material absorbs more sound, yielding a duller, rounder auditory experience. Therefore, even though both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, the varying materials in their top housings directly influence the characters of their respective sound profiles.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Piano Pro employ nylon, and this consistency results in shared auditory characteristics. Nylon's softer plastic properties ensure a deeper and fuller sound, allowing for an enhanced tactile feedback and bottom-out experience regardless of the switch's top housing material. The shared use of nylon in this component means that both switches promise a certain degree of acoustic absorption that affects the overall sound produced when typing. This similarity creates a common ground between the two models, allowing users to experience a comfortable and satisfying bottom-out feel.

Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials of the Huano Acacia and Akko V3 Piano Pro serve to create varied sound profiles, while the similarities in the bottom housing provide a shared tactile experience. The impact of the top housing’s material on the release sound is significant; thus, users can expect to encounter distinct auditory experiences when pressing and releasing each switch. Those drawn to the clarity and resonance of polycarbonate may prefer the Acacia, while fans of a fuller, muted sound profile might gravitate toward the Akko V3 Piano Pro. However, the nylon bottom housings ensure that despite these differences, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience interconnected through their shared material characteristics.

Weight

The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making their specifications identical in this regard. This similarity in force means that users can expect a consistent typing experience across both switches, allowing for lighter typing that is suitable for long working hours or extended gaming sessions. Since both switches are categorized as medium-light, neither offers the substantial push feel favored by those who prefer a heavier switch. Therefore, for users seeking similar tactile feedback and performance, either option will deliver nearly the same experience with a comfortable and responsive feel.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning they offer the same key press depth as you press down on a key. This identical travel distance results in a similar tactile feel and actuation response when typing or gaming. As a result, users transitioning between these two switches will likely experience consistent performance without adjusting to a different depth. Overall, neither switch stands out in terms of travel distance, ensuring that users of either switch enjoy a comparable experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a more subdued auditory experience compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro. While the characteristics of the Acacia switch might not be specified in detail, it is generally understood that linear switches produce a quieter and smoother sound profile, characteristic of their design. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro captures attention with its distinctly clacky and resonant sound. The pronounced auditory feedback adds an energetic quality to each keystroke, providing a crisp, bright sound that enhances the typing experience. However, it's important to note that the overall sound perception can be influenced by other factors, including the choice of keyboard case and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Acacia switch is recognized for its medium-light weight, comfortable actuation, and minimal stem wobble, enabling an enjoyable and consistent typing experience right out of the box. Although its specific tactile qualities are not highlighted, users can expect a generally smooth and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. These qualities combine to create a lively and elastic feedback when pressed, providing a pleasurable sensation as fingers glide over the keys. The factory lubrication in the V3 Piano Pro enhances the smoothness, making every key press feel effortless.

In summary, both the Huano Acacia and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer valuable typing experiences, albeit with different strengths. The Acacia leans toward a quieter and consistent feel, while the V3 Piano Pro excites with its snappy sound and dynamic tactile sensations. For newcomers considering their options, both switches will deliver satisfying results, with the Acacia providing a more subdued experience and the V3 Piano Pro offering an engaging, lively performance. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences regarding auditory feedback and typing feel. If you prioritize a smooth and pleasant typing experience straight out of the box, the Acacia switch is an excellent option due to its medium-light bottom-out force, factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble. This switch is well-suited for tasks where quiet and consistent key presses are important, making it ideal for typists who crave a buttery and polished feel without excessive noise. On the other hand, if you enjoy auditory feedback alongside a lively typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro may be your go-to choice. With its clacky and resonant sound profile and a bouncy, creamy sensation, it excels in environments where a more dynamic and expressive typing experience is desired. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prefer a smoother, more subdued typing experience or one that emphasizes sound and tactile liveliness.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more