Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Huano Elf stand out for their distinct characteristics and appeal to different user preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that excels in providing a pronounced tactile bump and a delightful poppy sound profile, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy auditory feedback as they type. Fresh out of the box, these switches offer a smooth experience that is both bouncy and snappy, catering to those who appreciate a lively and engaging typing sensation. On the other hand, the Huano Elf switch takes a different approach with its linear design, featuring a POK top housing that enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature with a medium-light feel. This makes the Elf ideal for users seeking a quieter and more fluid typing experience, perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Both switches offer unique benefits that highlight the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboard options available, each catering to different preferences. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 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
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
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Huano Elf, notable differences can be discerned in their top housings. The V3 Cream Blue Pro employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is particularly advantageous when using the switch with RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of the polycarbonate enhances light diffusion, contributing to visually appealing effects. In contrast, the Huano Elf uses POK (polyketone) for its top housing. While it also provides a clear and bright sound, the main differentiator lies in the material's smoothness. The POK boasts a slightly higher coefficient of friction than LY, making it one of the smoothest options available, while still delivering clean and resonant auditory feedback.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a matching experience in terms of sound and feel when typing. Nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder impact compared to harder materials. Since the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in the bottom-out feel, the tactile sensation experienced by users will be consistent across both switch types, fostering a familiar typing experience. This shared material provides a complementary balance, as the soft yet sturdy characteristics of nylon can extend the switches' durability while softening the acoustic output.
Ultimately, when examining how the combination of top and bottom housings influences the overall performance of the switches, it's apparent that both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Huano Elf provide unique auditory experiences and tactile sensations for users. The distinctive qualities of polycarbonate in the top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro allow it to shine in clarity, especially under RGB lighting, while the POK top housing of the Elf brings a smoothness that enhances user interaction. However, since both models utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the foundational audio profile remains similar, culminating in a typing experience that embodies the best traits of each material while accommodating individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch to the Huano Elf linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Huano Elf boasts a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the Elf switch more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. However, while the bottom out force for the V3 Cream Blue Pro is 55 grams, the bottom out force for the Elf switch remains unknown. This distinction suggests that while both switches may offer a comfortable typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a heavier push feel overall, suitable for users who enjoy that tactile experience. Ultimately, those who favor a lighter switch may gravitate toward the Huano Elf, whereas those who prefer more resistance will find the V3 Cream Blue Pro more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Elf measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Elf, appealing to gamers who prefer quicker response times due to its more responsive feel. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Elf may appeal to those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial keypress, providing a sense of satisfaction with each activation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference regarding the desire for speed versus a more pronounced tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro excels with its lively, poppy, and clacky sound profile that brings a vibrant auditory experience to typing. This switch produces a pronounced acoustic feedback that many find delightful, especially in a casual or gaming setting. In contrast, the Huano Elf switch delivers a deeper sound signature, characterized by a more subdued yet satisfying tone. While both switches provide enjoyable auditory feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro leans toward a more spirited sound, while the Elf offers a more mellow and reinforced acoustic experience. It's important to note that sound perception can vary significantly depending on the keyboard's construction and the keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro presents an excellent balance of tactility without being overwhelming. It is an accented tactile switch, providing a prominent but not distracting tactile bump. Users may also appreciate its bouncy quality, which lends a spring-like responsiveness that enhances the typing rhythm. Additionally, the snappy nature of these switches contributes to a lively typing experience, making it a joy to type on. The polished finish ensures a smooth keystroke with minimal friction. On the other hand, the details regarding the feel of the Huano Elf switch are unknown, leaving it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, if they feature a medium-light feel, they may offer a different typing sensation that emphasizes light actuation without such pronounced tactile feedback.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch stands out with its bright and engaging sound and a pleasingly tactile and polished typing experience, the Huano Elf switch offers a deeper sound and a medium-light feel that may appeal to those preferring something less pronounced. Each switch will deliver a highly enjoyable typing experience, but their individual characteristics allow users to choose based on their specific preferences for sound and feedback. Ultimately, to achieve a similar typing experience, one should consider their acoustic preferences and tactile needs when deciding between these two unique options.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switches and the Huano Elf linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you thrive on audible feedback and enjoy the satisfying clack of a tactile switch, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is your best option. Its medium-light 55-gram bottom out force combined with a distinct poppy sound makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a lively typing experience paired with a creamy tactile sensation. This switch is perfect for typists who enjoy a responsive feel, as it boasts an accented tactile profile that delivers a snappy and bouncy response, giving your fingers a pleasant spring-like sensation while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear feel without the audible click, the Huano Elf switch might be more suited to your tastes. The Elf provides a softer, deeper acoustic signature that caters to individuals who want a muted sound while experiencing a satisfying typing feel. Whether you wish for pronounced tactile feedback or a linear, quiet experience, both switches have their merits and can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience based on your unique needs.
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