Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Huano Sakura are two compelling options that cater to different preferences and use cases. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out as a budget-friendly choice for keyboard enthusiasts, offering a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth actuation, making it a fun option for those who enjoy a lively auditory experience alongside a creamy tactile feel. Its characteristics—easy to press, feathery, bouncy, and snappy—make it a delightful choice for both gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches present a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, providing an ideal experience for users engaged in extended typing sessions who prioritize comfort and reduced finger fatigue. While both switches belong to the linear category and offer unique benefits, they cater to different user experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
35g
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Huano Sakura switches, it is clear that both switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which are crucial in determining their overall acoustic profiles. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro employs polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is particularly beneficial for users who seek enhanced RGB illumination, as polycarbonate is translucent and allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Huano Sakura features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is celebrated for its smoothness and durability. While POK offers superior wear and shock resistance, offering a slightly different feel, it also contributes to a distinctively smooth and clacky sound profile. Thus, while both switches aim to achieve clear audio when pressed, their top housing materials impart different characteristics to the overall sound experience.
On the other hand, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Huano Sakura feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which signifies an agreement in their fundamental construction. This choice of nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its properties allow for greater sound absorption compared to harder materials. As such, when typing on either of these switches, users can expect to experience a more rounded bottom-out sound due to the nylon bottom housing. The consistency in this material allows the two switches to maintain a similar tactile experience, ensuring that the bottom-out feel remains soft and pleasant regardless of the variation in top housing materials.
Ultimately, while the switches diverge in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus POK—they still manage to complement each other with their shared nylon bottom housing, allowing users to achieve similar results in certain acoustic traits. When pressing down on either switch, the nylon bottom will predominantly dictate the bottom-out feel and sound, while the polycarbonate and POK top housings will influence the higher-pitched sound produced upon release. Consequently, even though there are notable differences in the top housings, the overall experience remains harmoniously aligned, granting users a fusion of different auditory characteristics while retaining a full-bodied sound signature at the bottom end.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Sakura boasts a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This distinction makes the Sakura a more suitable option for those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's heavier push feel will appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches can deliver satisfying performance, the Akko switch will require more force to actuate and bottom out than the Huano Sakura, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch differ in travel distance, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro measuring 3.3 mm and the Sakura measuring 3.6 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. Conversely, the additional 0.3 mm in the Sakura's travel distance offers a deeper key press, which some users might prefer for a more substantial tactile experience. Therefore, those who enjoy a shorter travel distance might find the V3 Cream Yellow Pro more suitable, while individuals looking for a more pronounced depth in each keystroke may gravitate towards the Huano Sakura linear switch.
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 Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura 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 the sound profile, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches deliver a poppy and clacky auditory experience that is sure to stimulate typists who enjoy a lively interface. This vibrance in sound makes it an engaging choice, especially in settings where the auditory feedback enhances the tactile act of typing. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches exhibit medium acoustics that create a softer sound environment, making them an excellent option for extended typing sessions. While the Cream Yellow Pro captures attention with its pronounced sound, the Sakura offers a more subdued auditory response, balancing performance with a quieter workspace.
Regarding the feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are described as easy-to-press and feathery, which means they require minimal force to activate. This lightweight actuation significantly reduces finger fatigue, making them comfortable for long typing sessions, whether for work or gaming. Additionally, their bouncy and snappy characteristics enhance responsiveness, ensuring that they provide a lively and enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the feel of the Huano Sakura switches remains unknown, but their feather-light touch is speculated to offer comfort during prolonged use, similar to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's emphasis on reducing strain.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Huano Sakura switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences while aiming for comfort and efficiency in typing experiences. The Cream Yellow Pro stands out with its pronounced, satisfying sound and exceptional responsiveness, making it ideal for users who enjoy more vibrant feedback. The Sakura, with its lighter touch and moderate acoustics, promises a quieter, potentially less intense experience suitable for long typing marathons. Depending on your desired auditory stimulation and typing comfort, either switch could meet your needs effectively, but expect different experiences in sound and possibly feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios will play a significant role. If you enjoy a moderate actuation force with a vibrant sound profile and a satisfying tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro could be your best choice. Its 60-gram bottom-out force offers a balanced resistance that caters well to those who appreciate a lively typing experience that can still provide some feedback during intense gaming or typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize comfort for extended use, the Huano Sakura switches, with their lighter 45-gram actuation force, are ideal. They offer a feather-light touch that greatly reduces the strain on your fingers, making them perfect for long hours of typing or gaming without fatigue. Additionally, the Sakura switches are designed with medium acoustics, which provides a more subdued sound profile—great for quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you crave that engaging, responsive feel of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or the effortless, low-impact experience offered by the Sakura switches.
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