Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences in the typing experience. The Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Piano Pro is a linear switch known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a pleasing tactile experience for users. While the Cream Blue Pro excels in offering a bouncy and polished typing experience, the Piano Pro stands out with its clacky and silky qualities. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, we see a stark contrast in their top housing materials. The Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. On the other hand, the Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Cream Blue Pro and the Piano Pro utilize nylon for this component. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and less sharp sound. As the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, users can expect a consistent sound experience with these switches.
Although the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Cream Blue Pro and the Piano Pro, they ultimately contribute to a similar overall sound experience. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Cream Blue Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound, the nylon bottom housing of both switches maintains a deep and full sound profile. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, with the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer the clarity of polycarbonate or the fullness of nylon, both switches offer a distinct typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light switches. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience with both switches in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke and fully press down. The choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of tactile versus linear feedback rather than differences in actuation or bottom out force. Overall, those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing or gaming sessions may find both of these options suitable, while those looking for a heavier push feel may want to explore switches with higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Piano Pro. The difference may not be significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the V3 Piano Pro. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, the choice between the two will result in slightly different typing experiences due to the subtle difference in travel distance.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 tactile switch is best described as having a poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its snappy sound signature, delivering a crisp and bright quality to each keystroke. Both switches offer a distinct auditory experience that enhances typing satisfaction, but the Cream Blue Pro leans towards a more tactile and poppy noise, while the Piano Pro focuses on a snappy and resonant sound.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is characterized by its accented and bouncy feedback, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. This switch also provides a polished and smooth typing experience, contributing to its overall comfort. As for the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it boasts a bouncy and creamy feel, giving users a spring-like and elastic sensation with each keystroke. Similar to the Cream Blue Pro, the Piano Pro also features a polished finish that ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a tactile and clacky typing experience with a poppy sound profile, the Piano Pro stands out for its smooth and creamy feel paired with a snappy sound signature. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more tactile feedback or a smoother typing experience with a crisper sound. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience from Akko's V3 series.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a poppy and clacky sound profile with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Cream Blue Pro switches are a great choice for a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy sound signature with a smooth tactile experience, the Piano Pro switches with their crisp, resonant sound may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a lively and audible feedback or a crisp and snappy typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
