Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are both tactile switches that offer unique features and qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its poppy and clacky sound profile, smoothness, and creamy tactile sensation, making it an ideal choice for those who seek a budget-friendly option with quality performance. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is known for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, pronounced tactility, and balanced feedback that enhances the typing experience without being too overwhelming. Both switches are categorized as 'Accented,' but offer different sensations and sound profiles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. While both switches share this common material for their top housings, the differences in their bottom housings will affect the overall typing experience.
In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Viola Tricolor have nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite both switches featuring nylon bottom housings, the impact of this material will be felt primarily when bottoming out keys, influencing the overall typing feel and sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches share polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound and nylon bottom housings for a fuller sound, the specific combination and design of these materials will result in a unique feel and sound for each switch. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the V3 Cream Blue Pro or a fuller sound with the Viola Tricolor, the housing materials contribute to the overall performance and aesthetic of each mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is evident that there are distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. In terms of weight, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be considered medium-light, while the Viola Tricolor would fall into the medium-heavy category. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile sensations, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro providing a slightly lighter touch and the Viola Tricolor offering a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Haimu Viola Tricolor may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 switches are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to the typing experience, striking a perfect balance with a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that enhance the overall typing experience, with the Cream Blue Pro leaning towards a poppy and clacky sound, while the Viola Tricolor provides a bassy and low-pitched tone.
In terms of feel, both switches are described as having an accented tactility, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are also characterized as bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a spring-like feedback, responsiveness, and a smooth key travel experience. The Viola Tricolor, on the other hand, is described as invigorating, offering a firm actuation force and a reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. Both switches excel in providing a tactile typing experience that enhances the user's overall comfort and satisfaction.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Cream Blue Pro switches provide a poppy and clacky sound with a smooth and bouncy feel, the Viola Tricolor switches offer a thuddy and punchy sound with an invigorating and tactile sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, ensuring that you can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a balanced level of tactility, the Haimu Viola Tricolor could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and the specific characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on what resonates with you the most.
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