Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Huano Sakura, both of which feature a linear design. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is celebrated for its unique auditory profile, delivering a satisfying poppy and clacky sound that excites both budget-conscious users and enthusiasts alike. Its smooth actuation and bouncy responsiveness create a delightful typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback without the extra weight. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches provide a feather-light touch that excels during extended typing sessions, paired with medium acoustics that strike a balance between quiet operation and pleasant sound. This makes the Sakura an appealing option for users who prioritize comfort and efficiency over auditory feedback. 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
35g
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Huano Sakura switches utilize contrasting materials for their top housings, which significantly affect their sound profiles and overall performance. The V3 Cream Black Pro employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is renowned for its stiff nature that yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's translucency is advantageous for RGB lighting aesthetics, enhancing visual effects when the keys are illuminated. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a top housing made from POK (polyketone), which is recognized for its extreme smoothness and durability. Although POK delivers a slightly different texture and sound characteristics—contributing to a more clacky experience—it lacks the unmatched clarity and resonance that polycarbonate provides. Therefore, while both switches aim for high performance through their materials, the V3's polycarbonate offers a crisper auditory experience, which may be preferred by users looking for clear sound feedback.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, a classic material that provides a deeper, fuller sound profile. This consistency allows both switches to share a recognizable auditory signature in terms of sound dampening—the soft nature of nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a rounder sound regardless of the differing top housing materials. Consequently, users can expect a similar bottom-out feel and auditory quality when typing on either switch due to the nylon construction in the lower portion. This shared aspect ensures that while the top housings diverge in terms of sound clarity and tactile feedback, the bottom housings unify the overall typing experience by providing a warm, muted sound.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Huano Sakura switches differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus POK—their nylon bottom housings create a harmonizing effect in terms of sound profile and tactile feel. Users aiming for a more pronounced auditory clarity may gravitate towards the V3 due to its polycarbonate top, whereas those seeking a smoother, clackier typing experience may prefer the Sakura. However, the shared nylon construction guarantees that aspects such as durability and a rounded auditory signature will remain phonemically similar, allowing users to achieve comparable results in terms of sound and feel despite the differences in the switch's upper portion.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Sakura switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This disparity in force means that users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming will likely prefer the Huano Sakura, while those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback may opt for the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro. Overall, if you favor a lighter switch, the Sakura provides an easier experience in terms of both actuation and bottoming out, making it ideal for prolonged use. Conversely, for those who appreciate a heavier and more pronounced resistance, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the better choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sakura extends to 3.6 mm. This means that the Akko switch is the shorter option, allowing for slightly quicker actuation and potentially faster response times, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking efficiency in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and cushioned feel when pressed, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper key experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched, poppy sound that delivers a sharp, crisp auditory feedback with every keystroke. This sound profile appeals to those who prefer a more pronounced, clacky experience rather than the deeper, bassier tones that some switches might produce. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches are designed with medium acoustics that likely provide a balanced sound experience that leans towards a softer touch, making them suitable for environments where quieter operation is preferred. While the V3 Cream Black Pro's sound is distinct and engaging, the Sakura's acoustics are likely subtler, benefiting users focused on less distracting, yet still pleasant, auditory feedback.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the V3 Cream Black Pro excels with a genuinely creamy texture that provides a smooth and buttery typing experience—thanks to factory lubrication or specific materials used. This switch also possesses a bouncy quality, providing an elastic feedback that gives users a lively typing sensation. Additionally, its polished finish ensures minimal friction and smooth key travel, making each keystroke feel effortless. In contrast, the feel of the Huano Sakura is unknown, so one can only speculate on how it compares in terms of smoothness and responsiveness. However, if it aims to provide a feather-light touch, it might cater more to light typists or those preferring less resistance.
In conclusion, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Huano Sakura switches largely comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The V3 Cream Black Pro stands out with its sharp, high-pitched sound and smooth, bouncy action that delivers a dynamic typing experience, while the Sakura promises a more muted acoustic and an undetermined feel profile. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more vibrant and tactile experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be your go-to, but if quiet typing sessions are your priority, the Sakura could be worth exploring further.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch should be guided by your typing preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a medium-heavy feel with a satisfying 65-gram bottom-out force, the V3 Cream Black Pro is an excellent option, particularly for those who appreciate a distinctive poppy and clacky sound while typing. Its creamy, bouncy feedback provides an engaging experience that's ideal for both typing and gaming, making it a strong candidate for budget-conscious users seeking quality performance. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and tend to type for extended periods, the Huano Sakura switch—with its 45-gram bottom-out force—will help reduce finger fatigue due to its feather-light action. It offers a balanced sound profile with medium acoustics, which is less distracting for long sessions. In summary, consider the V3 Cream Black Pro if you are after a more textured, responsive experience, while the Huano Sakura is your go-to if you prioritize effortless keystrokes and comfort.
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