Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can often come down to personal preferences and the desired typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches are an excellent option for budget-conscious users seeking high-quality performance, offering a delightful poppy and clacky sound that many typing enthusiasts appreciate. Their unique characteristics, described as creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, and snappy, provide a lively and engaging feel during use. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches deliver an impeccably smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a subtler feedback without the auditory distractions. While the Cream Black Pro offers an exciting auditory experience along with a polished tactile response, the Orange Sea caters to those who value a seamless and quiet typing environment. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
20mm
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Haimu Orange Sea utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which brings a distinct sound profile to both switches. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory response when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches when RGB lighting is implemented, as it allows the lights to shine through more vividly. Hence, whether you're using the V3 Cream Black Pro or the Orange Sea, you can expect a similar vibrant lighting effect along with a crisper sound profile.
In contrast, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which contributes distinctively to the overall auditory experience. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This softer plastic dampens vibrations more effectively than harder materials, offering a rounder and more muted sound. As a result, the bottom-out sound, or the sound produced when a key is fully pressed down, is greatly influenced by the nylon housing. While the top housing enhances clarity and brightness, the nylon bottom housing ensures a satisfying depth that balances the auditory feedback provided by the polycarbonate top.
The combination of these materials in both switches yields a harmonious balance between the crisp high notes from the polycarbonate top and the plush low tones from the nylon bottom. Consequently, despite the similarities in housing materials, the integrated design of the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Orange Sea guarantees that users receive an enriched typing experience with unique aural characteristics. This symbiotic relationship highlights the importance of housing materials and their roles in shaping the sound profiles and overall feel of mechanical switches. As a result, users will find that their typing experience remains consistently satisfying whether they opt for one switch or the other.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to different preferences in typing experiences. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. In contrast, the Orange Sea offers a much lighter experience with an actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. As such, users who favor a lighter switch may find the Haimu Orange Sea more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who appreciate a firmer push may gravitate towards the V3 Cream Black Pro for its heavier feedback. Overall, these differences indicate that the Akko V3 is the heavier switch, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea is decidedly lighter, allowing for tailored experiences based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, we find that the V3 Cream Black Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial depth that some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your preference for either a quick response (with the shorter V3 Cream Black Pro) or a deeper, more pronounced feel (with the longer Orange Sea).
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 Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 profile of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, the V3 Cream Black Pro produces a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound that delivers a poppy and clacky auditory experience. This quality makes it particularly appealing to users who prefer a more articulate feedback without the richer, bassier tones found in some other switches. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Haimu Orange Sea is characterized as neutral. This suggests that it may not produce the same pronounced audio cues as the V3 Cream Black Pro, making it a potentially quieter option but lacking distinct tonal characteristics.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro is celebrated for its creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished sensations. The creamy aspect creates a buttery smooth typing experience, while the bouncy feedback contributes a lively and responsive feel as you type. Additionally, the polished finish ensures low friction for a sleek key travel experience, making each keystroke effortless. On the contrary, the specific tactile attributes of the Haimu Orange Sea switch are currently unknown, which leaves an uncertainty surrounding how it would compare in tactile responsiveness and smoothness.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offers a vibrant sound signature and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea's neutral sound profile and tactile characteristics remain undisclosed. If you favor a sharp auditory experience alongside a lively, smooth feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro is likely the better choice. However, without key tactile descriptors for the Haimu Orange Sea, if you lean towards a more understated sound, it could serve as a viable alternative, although the absence of specific feel qualities makes it challenging to assess its overall performance in comparison.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch should hinge on your specific typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you appreciate a more tactile and engaging typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro's medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, paired with its creamy, bouncy feel, makes it an excellent option. You will likely enjoy the satisfying poppy and clacky sound that adds an auditory dimension to your typing. This switch is particularly well-suited for users who prefer a sturdier feel and enjoy the feedback that heavier switches can provide. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Haimu Orange Sea's 45-gram bottom-out force might be ideal for you. Known for its impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, this switch is perfect for extended typing sessions where comfort is paramount, or for if you're a gamer looking for quick and effortless key presses. Ultimately, both switches have their unique charms; it all depends on whether you lean toward a heavier, tactile feel or a lighter, more subdued typing experience.
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