Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Haimu Orange Sea offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches stand out for their vibrant auditory experience, providing a poppy, clacky sound coupled with a creamy tactile feel. This combination makes them particularly appealing for budget-conscious users who appreciate a lively and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are renowned for their impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a more understated and fluid keystroke without the distraction of noise. Each switch presents unique advantages—whether you’re seeking a cheerful auditory feedback from the Akko or the silent efficiency of the Haimu. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea feature the same top housing material: polycarbonate. The shared use of polycarbonate means both switches are designed to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness contributes to clearer resonance, making it particularly suitable for gamers and typists who appreciate the tactile feedback and sound clarity during use. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, ensuring that both switches will visually appeal to those who prioritize aesthetic customization alongside functional performance.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Orange Sea utilize nylon, a material known for its softer composition. This commonality provides both switches with a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a richer and rounder sound experience when typing on either switch. The blending of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom offers an effective synergy that balances the switches' acoustic characteristics and tactile feedback, catering to a wide range of preferences in keystroke feel.
While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea are constructed from the same materials, the combination of different housing types differentiates their sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing enhances the auditory response of each switch when keys are released, while the nylon bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel during use. Therefore, despite the identical materials, users may still notice variations in their typing experience due to the distinct contributions of each housing type. This coherence in material choice ensures that both switches can achieve similar overall sound profiles, with the expected diversity arising from how the materials interact in delivering tactile feedback and auditory response.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch with the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium weight feel that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for individuals who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. This means that the Orange Sea switch is lighter overall, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the heavier option. The difference in forces suggests that users will experience a contrasting tactile feel; while the V3 is designed for those who appreciate a firm push, the Orange Sea caters to those seeking ease of use with a gentler touch.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This comparison highlights the V3 Cream Yellow Pro as the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quick response times due to its more responsive nature. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea, with its greater travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial depth in their key presses, providing a more tactile experience. In essence, if you favor a quicker actuation, the Cream Yellow Pro is the better choice, while the Orange Sea offers a more traditional feel with its greater travel distance.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 per 10 switches.
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 Yellow Pro switches provide a lively auditory experience characterized by a poppy and clacky sound. This vibrant tone makes them particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer a more neutral sound signature, which results in a quieter and less pronounced auditory experience. While sound perception can vary greatly depending on the specific keyboard build and the keycaps used, the contrast between the lively clack of the Cream Yellow Pro and the subdued tones of the Orange Sea will be noticeable to users who prioritize acoustic qualities in their switches.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches excel with their easy-to-press action, ensuring a lightweight and comfortable typing experience. The combination of a feathery touch and a bouncy sensation adds to their appeal, making them responsive and reducing finger fatigue, which is ideal for extended typing sessions. They feel polished and snappy as well, providing a seamless experience with a touch of lively feedback. On the other hand, the feel of the Orange Sea switches remains undefined in the provided information; thus, it is challenging to compare their tactile feedback and resistance directly to the Cream Yellow Pro. However, if the Orange Sea switches are smooth as suggested, they may also provide a comfortable typing experience, though without the specific nuances that the Cream Yellow offers.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cream Yellow Pro is vibrant and tactile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an engaging auditory and tactile experience. In contrast, the Orange Sea offers a smooth typing feel with a more neutral sound, which might appeal to users seeking a quieter environment. Ultimately, each switch has its unique characteristics, and the choice between them will come down to the individual's preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a more audible and tactile experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, with its poppy sound and medium bottom out force of 60 grams, can provide a satisfying and lively feeling during both typing and gaming. Its slightly bouncier and snappier nature also helps in enhancing engagement, which is particularly appealing for those who prioritize a vibrant auditory feedback and a tactile bounce while typing. On the other hand, if comfort and ease of use are your main concerns, the Haimu Orange Sea switches, with a gentler bottom out force of 45 grams, are an excellent choice. Their impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature make them ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, reducing potential finger fatigue. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a more exciting and tactile experience, go for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro; however, if you prioritize smoothness and a lighter typing feel, the Orange Sea is the way to go.
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