Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Huano Sakura stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch known for its lively, poppy sound and creamy tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy audible interactions and a tactile bump in their typing experience. Its unique blend of snappiness and polish adds to its allure, particularly for those on a budget without compromising quality. In contrast, the Huano Sakura is a linear switch designed for a smoother, quieter experience, perfect for extended typing sessions where fatigue can be a concern. With its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, the Sakura prioritizes fluidity and comfort, appealing to those who value speed and a virtually silent operation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Huano Sakura each utilize distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, which have implications for sound and tactile feedback when typing. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffness that provides a sharper, crisper sound profile. This is complemented by the nylon bottom housing, which offers a fuller, deeper sound due to its sound-absorbing qualities. The high translucency of the polycarbonate top not only enhances the sound clarity but also makes it ideal for seamless integration with RGB lighting, making it visually appealing. Conversely, the Huano Sakura employs a POK material for its top housing, known for its remarkable smoothness and durability, boasting resistance characteristics that exceed those of traditional materials like POM and Nylon. Together with the nylon bottom housing, the Sakura produces a sound profile that is more clacky yet still retains the deeper notes reminiscent of the V3 Cream Blue Pro.
While both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, the differences in the top housing materials distinctly affect their overall performance. The polycarbonate of the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more resonant and higher-pitched sound upon release, whereas the POK material in the Sakura contributes additional smoothness during key presses. This friction response reflects how these additional characteristics play into usability. Despite this, both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience that typers often seek, suggesting that while their tonal qualities diverge, they each accomplish their purpose well through the integration of nylon in the bottom housing.
Considering the distinctions brought by each switch's design, enthusiasts can expect varying acoustic properties. When typing on both switches, the bottom housing's nylon impacts the bottom-out sound and feel similarly, yielding a fuller experience for both. However, users might observe a more pronounced sound clarity on release in the V3 Cream Blue Pro due to its polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura’s POK material delivers a smoother keystroke, which may appeal to users prioritizing a silky feel over sound clarity. Ultimately, while the materials differ, both designs emphasize a dynamic typing experience, enabling users to gravitate towards the features that align best with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct tactile experiences. 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, while the Huano Sakura comes in lighter, with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. As a result, the Sakura switch is more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions or less fatigue during gaming. Conversely, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a heftier push with its higher forces, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, individuals looking for a lighter switch should opt for the Huano Sakura, whereas those seeking a heavier feel may find the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro more satisfying.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that can be beneficial, especially for gamers seeking quick actuation. In contrast, the Sakura's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, offering a tactile experience that some users find more satisfying. Both switches present unique characteristics that cater to different preferences: the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro emphasizes swift response, while the Huano Sakura offers a more substantial keystroke.
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 Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura 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
In terms of sound, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches produce a distinctively poppy and clacky sound profile that adds an engaging auditory dimension to the typing experience. This lively acoustic feedback is satisfying for users who thrive on audio cues during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches offer medium acoustics, providing a more subdued yet pleasant sound that can be ideal for long typing sessions where quieter environments are preferred. Therefore, while both switches deliver enjoyable sound profiles, the V3 Cream Blue Pro leans towards a more vibrant auditory feedback compared to the moderated acoustics of the Sakura switches.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches shine with their combination of medium tactility, bounciness, snappiness, and polished action. The tactile bump is prominent without being overwhelming, making for a satisfying typing experience that is accentuated by a springy feedback upon key press. The response feels alive and energetic, contributing to a dynamic feel during rapid typing. Conversely, the specific feel characteristics of the Sakura switches are unknown. However, given their linear nature, users can generally expect a smooth and consistent actuation across key presses, which contrasts with the more tactile feedback provided by the V3 Cream Blue Pro.
In summary, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Huano Sakura switches cater to different typists based on sound and tactile feedback preferences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is ideal for those who enjoy an audible and tactically engaging experience, while the Sakura switches provide a quieter, smoother operation best suited for prolonged typing. Each switch has its unique qualities, allowing keyboard enthusiasts to choose based on what aligns with their typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, the decision between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences, typing style, and intended usage. If you're someone who enjoys a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke and appreciates a tactile sensation that strikes a balance between engaging and not overwhelming, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is your go-to choice. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams provides a nice blend of resistance and comfort, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming sessions where you want that extra tactile pop. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a lightweight feel, especially for long typing sessions, the Huano Sakura linear switch may be more in line with your needs. With a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and a more subtle acoustic profile, these switches will cater well to users who desire a quieter experience without the tactile bump, thus promoting a fluid and uninterrupted typing motion. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you prefer the lively tactile feedback and sound of the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the smooth, whisper-quiet operation of the Sakura.
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