Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and qualities. The Cream Yellow Pro is favored for its budget-friendly appeal, providing a poppy, clacky sound and smooth actuation for a satisfying tactile feel. On the other hand, the Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, creating a lively and crisp typing experience. While the Cream Yellow Pro is described as easy-to-press and feathery, the Piano Pro is noted for being bouncy and creamy. Both switches offer a polished feel, but with different auditory characteristics to cater to different preferences. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, we can see that both keyboards have different top housing materials - polycarbonate for the Cream Yellow Pro and nylon for the Piano Pro. The Cream Yellow Pro with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Piano Pro's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, depending on their preference for sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Cream Yellow Pro and the Piano Pro feature nylon bottom housings. This means that they both offer a similar deep and full sound profile when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing materials ensures that users can expect a consistent sound experience regardless of which keyboard they choose, making the decision between the two models a matter of personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel.
In terms of overall typing experience, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro may come down to the individual's preference for sound profile. The Cream Yellow Pro with its polycarbonate top housing will provide a sharper and higher-pitched sound when pressing down on the keys, while the Piano Pro's nylon top housing will offer a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon bottom housings of both keyboards further contribute to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two models will depend on whether the user prefers a crisper sound profile or a deeper sound profile when typing on the keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their performance. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro at 60 grams and the V3 Piano Pro at 55 grams. This means that while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may provide a more substantial typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro offers a slightly lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for fast response times. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro provides a bit more depth and a slightly more deliberate key press with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences for responsiveness and key feel. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses, the Cream Yellow Pro is the way to go, while the Piano Pro offers a bit more depth for those seeking a more deliberate 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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. The Piano Pro switch is described as clacky and resonant, creating a sound profile that is sharp and higher-pitched for an immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a poppy clack or a sharp snap.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, offering gentle resistance during key presses and minimizing finger fatigue. Additionally, the bouncy and snappy characteristics of these switches provide a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a creamy and silky typing experience, with a smooth and buttery feel that enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance. Both switches have polished finishes that contribute to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and improved key travel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Cream Yellow Pro switch provides a clacky and poppy sound with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Piano Pro switch offers a snappy and lively sound along with a creamy and silky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more vibrant auditory experience or a smoother tactile feel in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a combination of poppy sound and decent smoothness, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a satisfying tactile feel and a vibrant auditory experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy sound signature with a smooth actuation for a lively and crisp typing experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be the better choice. With its long pole design and snappy sound, these switches provide a pleasing tactile experience while maintaining a smooth actuation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a poppy sound and creamy tactile feel or a snappy sound with smooth actuation in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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