Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Haimu Neo White are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly price point and high-quality construction, providing a poppy and clacky sound with a smooth feel. On the other hand, the Neo White offers a medium weight, reduced total travel, and a smooth actuation thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem. Each switch has its own characteristics that may appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
20mm
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Haimu Neo White are quite similar in terms of their top and bottom housing. Both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of both switches produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder sound.
Despite their similarities, the differences in the housing materials of the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Neo White can impact the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings means that the qualities of each material will affect different aspects of the typing feel and sound. The bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing material will influence the sound produced when releasing a key, affecting the overall typing acoustics.
In conclusion, while both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Neo White share similarities in their housing materials, such as polycarbonate and nylon, the distinctions between their top and bottom housings can lead to slight variations in sound and feel during typing. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with a polycarbonate top housing or a deeper, fuller sound with a nylon bottom housing, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in typing experience and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is evident that they have differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White has an unknown actuation force but a lighter bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more medium typing experience. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as lighter switches like the Neo White allow for longer typing periods, while heavier switches like the V3 Cream Black Pro offer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro may be the better option, while those who prefer a slightly deeper keystroke may lean towards the Haimu Neo White. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their shorter travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 comparing the sound qualities of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Haimu Neo White switches, it's evident that they offer different experiences. The V3 Cream Black Pro is characterized by a high-pitched sound, which results in a sharp and crisp noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Neo White switches have a more neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound. Depending on personal preference, the high-pitched sound of the V3 Cream Black Pro may appeal to those seeking a more distinct auditory feedback, while the Neo White switches offer a versatile option suitable for various scenarios.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches provide a creamy and bouncy typing experience, with a touch of snappiness and polish to enhance the overall sensation. The creamy feel offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, while the bouncy characteristic adds a spring-like feedback to each keystroke. Additionally, the polished finish contributes to a sleek and refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Neo White switches offer a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. This makes the Neo White switches ideal for those looking for a comfortable yet satisfying typing experience without any extreme characteristics.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Haimu Neo White switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities tailored to different preferences. While the V3 Cream Black Pro excels in providing a high-pitched and creamy typing experience with added bounciness and snappiness, the Neo White switches offer a more neutral and mild feel suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices depending on whether you prioritize a unique sound profile or a comfortable typing feel. By considering your preference for sound and feel, you can make an informed decision on which switch would best suit your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, there are key factors to consider. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a high-pitched, creamy, bouncy, or snappy typing experience with a unique poppy and clacky sound, then the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a neutral, mild typing experience with a smooth actuation and slightly reduced total travel, then the Neo White switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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