Huano Acacia vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Acacia is often praised for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, delivering a smooth and enjoyable typing experience right from the start. This switch minimizes stem wobble, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate both comfort and precision. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is specifically designed with gamers in mind, featuring a light actuation force and a shortened travel distance that ensures swift key presses, ideal for intense gaming sessions where every millisecond counts. This switch provides a satisfying bassy sound with each keystroke, enhancing the auditory experience during gameplay. Both switches have their merits, with the Acacia appealing more to typists seeking a balanced feel and the V3 Silver Pro serving those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Silver Pro are strikingly similar, particularly in their choice of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which is known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. This shared material not only enhances the auditory experience by creating a clear and resonant sound but also allows for beautiful aesthetics, especially in RGB lighting scenarios. With translucent properties, the polycarbonate top housing in both models ensures that light diffusion and illumination effects are consistent and visually striking.
On the other hand, the nylon material chosen for the bottom housing of both the Acacia and V3 Silver Pro plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound experience. Nylon's inherently softer characteristics result in a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. This acoustic absorption means that both switches exhibit a duller and rounder sound when typing, lowering the resonance that might be present in switches with harder bottom housing materials. Such uniformity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a similarly rich typing experience, regardless of the specific model they choose.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Huano Acacia and Akko V3 Silver Pro allows for a complementary mixing of sound profiles. The polycarbonate tops are responsible for the clarity and brightness of the key presses, while the nylon bottoms provide a warm richness to the overall sound. As a result, regardless of which switch a user opts for, they can achieve a balanced, engaging typing experience due to the harmonious characteristics of the materials utilized in the housing. Thus, switching between these models won't result in significant divergences in sound or feel, making either choice appealing for typists seeking similar auditory satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, placing it firmly in the light category. This means users of the V3 Silver Pro will require less force to register a keypress, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, especially during extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Acacia's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial feel, which may be appealing for users who prefer a stronger tactile response. Overall, if you're leaning towards a lighter option with less fatigue during long usage, the Akko V3 Silver Pro would be the preferable choice, while the Huano Acacia offers a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Acacia offers a longer travel distance at 3.5 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro measures at 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minor, but it can influence the typing experience significantly. Gamers, who often prefer quicker responses, might favor the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro for its increased responsiveness. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys may lean towards the Acacia for its deeper travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference, with the V3 Silver Pro being the shorter option and the Acacia providing a more traditional depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a more neutral profile that is generally unobtrusive, making it a suitable option for both typing and gaming environments where noise sensitivity might be a concern. Comparatively, the Akko V3 Silver Pro produces a high-pitched, sharp sound when pressed, contributing an interesting auditory experience that some users may find enjoyable, especially in gaming contexts. The deeper, bassy sound noted in the V3 Silver Pro may resonate well with enthusiasts who prefer a more engaging acoustic response, while the Acacia's quieter demeanor makes it versatile for various settings. Ultimately, sound preferences will vary widely among users, so personal experimentation may be required.
In terms of feel, the Huano Acacia linear switch stands out with its medium-light actuation force, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, which altogether yield a pleasant and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is designed specifically for gamers with its light actuation force and shortened travel distance, making keystrokes feel exceptionally effortless. Users will appreciate the creamy, feathery, and silky sensations of the V3 Silver Pro, as these traits lend a smooth and polished typing experience that minimizes fatigue during extended use. While both switches foster a comfortable typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro may appeal more to competitive gamers seeking quick responses, whereas the Acacia leans towards users who enjoy a balanced and refined feel.
Considering both the sound and feel characteristics, choosing between the Huano Acacia and the Akko V3 Silver Pro largely depends on personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a quieter and smoother experience, the Acacia is an excellent choice straight out of the box. Conversely, if you're a gamer looking for rapid response times and a bassy auditory experience, the V3 Silver Pro will likely serve you well. Regardless of the switch chosen, both options provide enjoyable tactile feedback, allowing users to experience a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Acacia linear switches and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a balanced typing experience for both work and light gaming, the Acacia switch might be the better option. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, it offers a medium-light resistance that many users find comfortable for extended typing sessions, coupled with a creamy and polished feel thanks to its generous factory lubrication. On the other hand, if you're a gamer who values speedy and responsive key presses, the Akko V3 Silver Pro would likely serve you better. With its light actuation force of 45 grams and shortened travel distance, this switch can significantly enhance your reaction times in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Furthermore, its high-pitched sound profile provides an auditory experience that some may find more satisfying compared to the Acacia. In summary, consider the Acacia for general typing and a smooth experience, while the V3 Silver Pro is ideal for competitive gaming where quickness and efficiency are essential.
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