Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as strong contenders in the linear switch category, each offering its unique appeal. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is particularly suited for budget-conscious enthusiasts, delivering a delightful auditory experience with its poppy, clacky sound and creamy tactile feel. Its "easy-to-press," "feathery," and "snappy" characteristics make typing a joy, especially for those who appreciate a vibrant feedback profile. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte excels in providing an exceptionally smooth keystroke, utilizing cutting-edge molds that deliver a balanced sound profile—not too quiet, yet not overly resonant. For users seeking a seamless typing experience without the distraction of excessive noise, the Strawberry Latte is a compelling choice. Ultimately, the decision hinges on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback; 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
40g
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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte, notable distinctions can be observed in their top housings. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for delivering a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to its stiffness and clarity. This translucency also allows for impressive RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing for enthusiasts who prioritize aesthetics in addition to performance. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing, which, while strong and smooth with an excellent wear resistance, does not provide the same level of acoustic resonance as polycarbonate. The differences in these materials suggest that while both switches can offer quality performance, their acoustic signatures and lighting capabilities may yield varied results.
In terms of bottom housing, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize nylon, a classic choice in switch design. This material is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience when typing. Since both switches share this bottom housing material, they are likely to produce similar sound profiles upon bottoming out, allowing for a consistent tactile sensation across different models. The nylon construction offers durability and reliability, ensuring that both switches maintain their quality performance over time despite being made from different materials up top.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials differ significantly, the shared nylon bottom housing in both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte can create overlaps in their overall performance, particularly in terms of sound feel and typing experience. The polycarbonate of the V3 Sharpens the higher sounds during release, while the POK enhances smoothness—providing distinct characteristics in their upper tier sounds. However, given that both switches utilize nylon at the bottom, users can expect that aspect to bind their performances closely, resulting in a balance between acoustic signatures that resonate deeply and the crispness allowed by their unique top housing materials. Therefore, despite their differences in construction, players can achieve comparable results with regard to sound fabric and feedback, especially in terms of depth and fullness during use.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classified as medium, which provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming due to its reduced strain on the fingers. As a result, the Strawberry Latte is the lighter switch, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is heavier, potentially appealing to those who prefer a firmer feel when typing. Despite their differences, both switches allow users to achieve responsive results in their typing activities, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference for weight and feedback during key presses.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro measuring 3.3 mm and the Strawberry Latte at 3.6 mm. This makes the V3 Cream Yellow Pro the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel ideal for gamers seeking quick keystrokes. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced depth in their key presses, allowing for a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference: those favoring responsiveness might gravitate towards the Akko V3, while those who enjoy a deeper keystroke could opt for the Huano Strawberry Latte.
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 Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte 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
The sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is characterized by its poppy and clacky tones, creating a vibrant auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. This engaging sound is neither too loud nor too muted, striking a balance that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch boasts a balanced sound profile as well, described as neither quiet nor overly resonant, which also contributes to an enjoyable auditory experience without overwhelming the user. Both switches produce a sound that is generally appealing but tailored to different preferences—while the Cream Yellow Pro leans toward a brighter, more immediate sound, the Strawberry Latte offers a more subdued resonance.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro excels with a range of descriptors illustrating its performance. It is easy to press, requiring minimal force and reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The feathery actuation further enhances comfort, making it well-suited for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, it is noted for its snappy response and polished finish, which combined, deliver a highly refined and smooth typing experience. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch are currently unknown, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in this regard.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches present distinct yet complementary qualities that appeal to different types of mechanical keyboard users. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's vibrant sound and exceptional feel highlight its suitability for those seeking an engaging auditory and tactile experience. While the Strawberry Latte offers a balanced sound profile, its tactile feel remains unspecified, leaving room for exploration. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal auditory preference and the unknown tactile experience of the Huano switch, but both have the potential to yield satisfying results depending on the user’s interests and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you seek a medium resistance switch that provides a lively auditory experience along with a smooth, tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro might be your ideal choice. Its 60-gram bottom-out force strikes a balance, offering a snappy and polished typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and extended typing sessions, particularly if you enjoy a bit of sound with your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and prioritizing smoothness with minimal finger fatigue, the Huano Strawberry Latte, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, is the switch for you. Known for its feathery and effortless keypresses, it excels in reducing strain during long typing sessions, which is particularly beneficial for frequent typists or gamers who want swift actuation without the need for significant force. In essence, your choice should align with your typing style and the specific feel you're seeking in a switch.
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