Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Huano Elf both present intriguing options for users seeking a smooth and responsive typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is celebrated for its budget-friendly appeal, offering a delightful combination of a vibrant, clacky sound alongside a creamy tactile feel. This switch is great for those who appreciate a lively auditory experience and a touch of snappiness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Huano Elf impresses with its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature, making it perfect for users who prefer a more subtle, medium-light touch while typing. Both switches have their unique strengths; the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing an engaging sound and responsive feel, while the Huano Elf offers an acoustic richness that many typists may find appealing. However, let's dive in deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that best fits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Huano Elf both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, a material recognized for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relative softness compared to other plastics, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Since both switches feature nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a similar depth of sound when bottoming out each key. However, the potential differences in the top housing materials—polycarbonate in the V3 and POK in the Elf—introduce contrasting sound dynamics that can influence the overall typing experience.
The V3 Cream Yellow Pro incorporates polycarbonate for the top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer composition. This stiffer plastic resonates differently when a key is released, providing a more pronounced sound that complements the deeper tones produced by the nylon bottom housing. In contrast, the Huano Elf employs POK, a material known for its smoothness and exceptional durability. Although it has a slightly higher friction coefficient, POK is engineered to withstand wear and impact, resulting in a smooth tactile feedback while typing. The combination of these materials leads to a distinct auditory and tactile output, making them feel and sound different despite both having nylon as their bottom housing.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Huano Elf share nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in similar sound profiles during key presses, their differing top housing materials create distinct auditory experiences when releasing keys. The polycarbonate in the V3 enhances clarity and resonance, making for a more pronounced release sound, whereas the POK in the Elf molds sound with smoothness and durability, leading to a uniquely enjoyable typing experience. Users looking for a specific auditory feedback might find their preferences swayed by these differences, ultimately tailoring their choice based on sound and feel rather than just the common nylon base.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch present interesting contrasts in their actuation forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch, which suits users looking for a balanced typing experience. In comparison, the Huano Elf switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which makes it easier to press down, likely benefiting those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding how it feels when fully pressed. While lighter switches like the Huano Elf can provide a quick response, the V3's heavier 50-gram actuation will give users a more substantial feel, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a tactile feedback experience. Thus, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the heavier switch, while the Huano Elf is the lighter option.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Elf linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Elf. For gamers or users seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may provide the desired responsiveness. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial keystroke and a feeling of depth in their typing might find the Huano Elf's longer travel distance of 3.6 mm more appealing. Both switches can cater to different preferences, so your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize speed or comfort in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow Pro for $2.00.
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches provide a poppy, clacky auditory experience that many users find appealing. This vibrant sound profile is perfect for those who enjoy a more lively typing atmosphere. The Huano Elf switches, on the other hand, feature a deeper sound signature as a result of their POK top housing, which enhances acoustics. While the Cream Yellow Pro may be more resonant with its upbeat tones, the Elf offers a rich, bassier sound that could appeal to those who prefer a more muted yet robust auditory feedback. It’s important to note that the ultimate sound experience varies depending on the keyboard's construction and the keycap material selected.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are characterized by their easy-to-press and feathery nature, significantly reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. They require minimal force for actuation, making them particularly suited for those who type or game for long periods. Additionally, they boast a snappy and polished action, contributing to a smooth typing experience with quick responsiveness. In contrast, the Huano Elf's feel is primarily described as medium-light, which provides a pleasant typing experience, although specific descriptors such as "snappy" or "polished" aren't available. While the specific tactile responses may differ, both switches prioritize comfort during use, catering to different preferences among typists.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Huano Elf linear switches each bring unique characteristics to the table. The Cream Yellow Pro excels with its vibrant sound and very light, responsive feel, making it a fantastic choice for enthusiasts seeking a lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the Elf switch presents a deeper sound profile and a moderate feel that may cater to users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback while still maintaining comfort. Ultimately, it’s about personal preference, and both options will deliver a satisfying linear experience, whether you enjoy the liveliness of the Cream Yellow Pro or the richness of the Elf.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch really hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you lean towards a vibrant auditory experience that includes a poppy and clacky sound, paired with an easy-to-press, snappy feel, then the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is your go-to option. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams offers a balanced resistance that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming your fingers, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, whether for work, school, or gaming. On the other hand, if you're searching for an exceptionally lightweight switch that emphasizes auditory richness with a deep sound signature, the Huano Elf could be more your speed. Their POK top housing aids in delivering a unique acoustic experience, while the moderate actuation force ensures comfortable typing with minimal effort. By considering the distinct sound profiles and feel characteristics of both switches, you can make an informed decision that best meets your specific needs and enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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