Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte can significantly influence your typing experience. The Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, is renowned for its distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, providing users with a lively and auditory engagement when typing. Its creamy tactile feedback offers a delightful sensation, particularly attractive to those who enjoy a bouncy and snappy feel while typing without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte, a linear switch, prioritizes smoothness and balanced acoustics, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a more streamlined and uninterrupted typing experience. Its superior smoothness and moderate sound levels appeal to those who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte, noticeable differences emerge in the characteristics and performance of the switches. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This material's transparency also allows for the effective diffusion of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for users who value aesthetics. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing. While POK boasts impressive durability and a smooth typing experience due to its low friction coefficient, its sound profile may differ from polycarbonate. Thus, the two top housing materials contribute unique qualities to their respective sound signatures, with the polycarbonate leaning towards crispness and clarity, while the POK favors a more muted, less resonant experience.
On the other end, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a similarity that influences the overall feel and sound output when typing. Nylon is renowned for its softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. This shared material guarantees that both switches will deliver a rounded sound when the key bottoms out, as the nylon's inherent characteristics result in a pleasant, cushioned typing experience. Therefore, while the top housings exhibit diverging qualities — leading to distinct auditory experiences — the nylon bottom ensures that both switches will provide users with a comfortable and consistent bottom-out feel.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the V3 Cream Blue Pro and Strawberry Latte creates a balance between unique sound profiles and cohesive typing experiences. The differences in the top housing materials will tailor the auditory aspects of the switches, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro providing a higher-pitched, crisper sound compared to the smoother, clackier results of the Strawberry Latte. However, the shared nylon bottom housing will harmonize the fundamental typing feel across both switches, allowing users to appreciate their distinctive top housing characteristics without sacrificing overall performance. Whether one prefers the sharpness of polycarbonate or the durability of POK, the nylon bottom provides a familiar and satisfying foundation for typing pleasure.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences can be observed in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a medium-light feel that provides a balance between responsiveness and substance. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it significantly easier to press down and ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. As a result, typists or gamers looking for extended sessions may find the Strawberry Latte more accommodating due to its lower resistance. In terms of weight preference, the Akko switch offers a heavier push feel, suitable for users who enjoy a more robust typing experience, whereas the Huano switch caters to those who value lightness and ease of use. Overall, if users have similar actuation and bottom out forces, they could expect comparable typing experiences, but in this case, the differences suggest that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the heavier option while the Strawberry Latte is the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a slightly longer distance at 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the V3 Cream Blue Pro may offer a more responsive typing experience, which could be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker reaction times. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, could appeal to users who prefer a tactile sensation with a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more immediate response, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the better choice, whereas the Huano Strawberry Latte might suit those who enjoy a more substantial pressing feel.
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 Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte 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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro delivers a distinct and lively auditory experience characterized by a poppy and clacky sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy clear auditory feedback while typing. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte provides a more balanced sound, described as not overly resonant yet not too quiet. While both switches offer satisfying sound profiles, the Cream Blue Pro is more pronounced and lively, making it a better choice for those seeking an audible typing experience.
Looking at the feel of these switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a unique tactile sensation that is accented, providing a medium level of tactility that strikes a balance between subtlety and overwhelming feedback. The bouncy and snappy characteristics make for a responsive and lively typing experience, bolstered by a polished finish that enhances smoothness during key presses. The Huano Strawberry Latte, on the other hand, is known for its super smooth action but lacks specific descriptors regarding its tactile characteristics. Therefore, although the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a richer tactile feedback alongside its smoothness, the Strawberry Latte likely offers a different sort of slickness but may not have the same pronounced tactile sensations.
In conclusion, if you're deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, your choice will depend on what aspects you value more in your typing experience. The Cream Blue Pro stands out with its lively sound and tactile feedback, perfect for those who appreciate auditory cues and medium tactile feelings. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte may appeal to those prioritizing a smoother key press, although its tactile qualities remain less defined. Overall, both switches provide smoothness, but their sound and tactile characteristics diverge significantly, influencing your typing experience based on personal preference.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the decision largely depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a more audible and tactile feedback from your keyboard, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is a fantastic choice. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams provides a pleasant, bouncy feel, making your typing experience lively and engaging, especially if you appreciate the distinctive pop and clack that accompanies a tactile switch. This switch is ideal for typists who value pronounced feedback and are looking for a lively atmosphere during their typing sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a lighter touch, the Huano Strawberry Latte may be more suited to your needs. With a bottom out force of just 45 grams, it delivers a silky-smooth action that makes it excellent for rapid typing or gaming without overwhelming auditory feedback. Overall, the Strawberry Latte's balanced sound profile and refined feel create a satisfying experience for users who favor smoothness and minimal resistance. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and acoustic response or smooth operation and a lighter keypress.
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