Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea 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 Haimu Orange Sea each offer distinct advantages that cater to different user preferences. The Akko Cream Blue Pro stands out for its tactile feedback and pleasing audio signature, delivering a satisfying pop and clack with every keystroke. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience, merging a creamy tactile sensation with a pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea excels in providing an ultra-smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile, making it perfect for users who prioritize a quieter, more fluid keypress without the distraction of auditory feedback. Both switches are categorized as accented but cater to different auditory and tactile 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing materials, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the resonance of the switch, providing a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience when typing. This inherent quality makes both switches ideal for users who prioritize sound definition, especially those who enjoy RGB lighting setups, as the translucence of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. Consequently, both switches can produce a vivid visual experience alongside an auditory one, making them well-suited for aesthetic and functional applications in mechanical keyboards.
On the other hand, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea feature nylon in their bottom housing, distinguishing the auditory characteristics and tactile experience from their top housing counterparts. The use of nylon, a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper, fuller sound when typing, resulting in a duller tone that absorbs sound waves more effectively. This means that while the polycarbonate top housing enhances the clarity of the switch's sound, the nylon bottom introduces warmth, creating a balanced sound profile during use. Thus, users can expect a harmonious blend of high-frequency clarity and low-frequency depth from both switches thanks to their complementary housing materials.
In summary, while the top housings of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Haimu Orange Sea share the same polycarbonate material that fosters a crisp sound profile, the bottom housings utilize nylon to produce a richer and more rounded auditory experience. This combination allows both switches to excel in delivering satisfying feedback through their respective tonal qualities. As both switches benefit from the same housing materials, users can anticipate similar performance characteristics in sound output – a result of the careful interplay between the stiffer top housing and the softer bottom housing, leading to a cohesive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch to the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea offers a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a more suitable choice for users who prefer a gentler typing experience. This lighter force can be particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it reduces finger fatigue. Ultimately, those seeking a more substantial typing feel may gravitate toward the heavier V3 Cream Blue Pro, while users looking for easier keystrokes will likely favor the Haimu Orange Sea. Thus, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the heavier option, and the Haimu Orange Sea is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we can observe that the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Orange Sea has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when using the V3 Cream Blue Pro, you will experience a slightly shorter press, which many gamers might find advantageous for quicker response times. On the other hand, the longer 3.6 mm travel distance of the Haimu Orange Sea can provide a more substantial feel, appealing to users who favor a deeper keystroke experience. Thus, if you prefer responsiveness and speed, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the better choice, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea is suitable for those who appreciate a heftier depth in their keystrokes.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches produce a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, which many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts find lively and satisfying. This auditory feedback enhances the overall typing experience, especially for those who appreciate an engaging and noticeable sound while typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer a neutral sound signature, which implies a more subdued auditory experience. While the Cream Blue Pro's clackiness is delightful for those who enjoy audible cues, the Orange Sea caters to users who prefer a quieter and more understated sound, allowing for a more focused typing environment.
When it comes to feel, both switches feature an accented tactile response, giving users a medium tactile sensation that strikes a balance between being overly pronounced and too subtle. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as snappy, thanks in part to its responsive design, creating an engaging typing experience that feels lively. Moreover, its polished finish contributes to a smooth key travel, reducing friction and providing a refined touch. Conversely, the Orange Sea's invigorating feel also promises a snappy typing response with pronounced feedback, characterized by a moderate to firm actuation force that adds immersion to the typing experience. Overall, both switches offer an enjoyable tactile feel, albeit with their own unique nuances that cater to different preferences.
In summary, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Haimu Orange Sea switches present distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to varying user preferences. While the Cream Blue Pro is known for its engaging, clacky sound and polished tactile responsiveness, the Orange Sea prioritizes a smoother feel and a more neutral sound profile. Ultimately, both switches feature an accented tactile response, providing a gratifying typing experience. Depending on whether you value an auditory feedback or a more discreet typing environment, either switch could serve well within a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy auditory feedback and a tactile sensation while typing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is an excellent fit for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile create a lively typing experience that many find satisfying, especially for both gaming and typing tasks. The polished feel and snappy response cater to those who appreciate a smooth yet engaging keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea switch may be the better choice. With a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches deliver an invigorating feel that is responsive without being overly tactile, making them ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where you want to minimize fatigue. The neutral sound signature complements this smooth typing experience, ensuring your typing is both efficient and unobtrusive. In the end, your decision should reflect whether you value tactile feedback and sound or prefer a more understated, streamlined typing experience.
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