Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking to choose between the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, a linear switch, there are key differences to consider. The Bamboo Green is favored for its clacky sound signature and sparkling tactility, making each keystroke feel crisp and distinct. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is praised for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, creating a lively and satisfying typing experience. While the Bamboo Green offers a more tactile feedback, the Piano Pro provides a smoother and more consistent keystroke. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both have unique housing materials that impact the sound and feel of the switches. The Bamboo Green features PBT top and bottom housing, offering a neutral sound profile that is neither dull nor crisp. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. While both housing materials have their own strengths, the PBT of the Bamboo Green provides a more balanced sound profile, whereas the nylon of the V3 Piano Pro accentuates a deeper and fuller sound.
In terms of the top housing, the PBT of the Bamboo Green and the nylon of the V3 Piano Pro offer distinct sound profiles when the key is released. The PBT top housing of the Bamboo Green contributes to a neutral sound profile with a subtle touch. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro enhances the sound when releasing a key, creating a duller and rounder sound. These differences in top housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Although the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Akko V3 Piano Pro differ, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials. The split of qualities between top and bottom housing means that the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer quality typing experiences with distinct sound profiles that cater to individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience. The Bamboo Green has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Bamboo Green is heavier at 62 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 55 grams. This means that while the Bamboo Green requires a lighter initial push to register a keystroke, it will provide a more substantial typing experience once the key is fully pressed. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro offers a lighter overall typing experience with a slightly heavier initial push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for extended typing sessions or a heavier bottom out force for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, making it the longer option compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5mm. The 0.5mm difference may not seem significant, but for users who prefer a shallower key press, the Akko V3 Piano Pro might be the preferred choice. Gamers looking for quicker response times may lean towards the Akko V3 Piano Pro, while those who enjoy a more robust feel when typing may opt for the Everglide Bamboo Green. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their respective travel distances, so users should consider their preference for key feel when choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
The Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 the sound of the Everglide Bamboo Green and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches, both offer a resonant quality with sharp and crisp characteristics. The Bamboo Green leans towards a higher-pitched sound profile, while the V3 Piano Pro has a clacky and lively sound signature. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bamboo Green provides a stepped and sharp tactile experience with accented characteristics. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro offers a bouncy and creamy feel, along with a polished and silky typing sensation. Both switches focus on delivering a smooth and refined typing experience, albeit through different tactile feedback mechanisms.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches each bring their unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Bamboo Green excels in a high-pitched and sharp tactile experience, while the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its bouncy and creamy typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback, but both options promise a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility, the Bamboo Green may be your ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and appreciate a snappy sound signature with a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience, the V3 Piano Pro could be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound signature, and tactile feel to ensure an optimal typing experience.
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