Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and needs of users. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch that excels in providing a poppy and clacky sound, coupled with a smooth and creamy tactile feel. It is ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience and easy-to-press keys. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor is a tactile switch that offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with a pronounced tactility that provides satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. It is perfect for users who appreciate a sharp sensation without feeling overwhelmed. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these top housings also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same top housing material, their differences in the bottom housing materials create a unique typing experience for each. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a blend of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Viola Tricolor offers a similar balance with its nylon bottom housing. Users can expect a distinct sound profile and feel when typing on each switch, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall experience. The use of different housing materials allows for variations in sound and tactile feedback, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor contribute to their individual sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the use of nylon in the bottom housings creates differences in the depth and feel of typing. Whether users prefer a crisper sound with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or a fuller sound with the Viola Tricolor, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is enhanced by their specific housing materials. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials allows for versatility in sound and feel, catering to a diverse range of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's 60 grams. If the actuation force and bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor were both known, we could expect a comparison where one switch may be lighter in both aspects while the other may be heavier. The decision between these two switches would depend on personal preferences for typing feel and endurance. Lighter switches may be preferable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Viola Tricolor may provide a more substantial key press for those who prefer a deeper feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro being more vibrant and the Viola Tricolor being more characterful.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is described as accented and invigorating, providing a pronounced feedback and immersive typing sensation. While the Cream Yellow Pro focuses on a light and effortless typing experience, the Viola Tricolor emphasizes tactile feedback and responsiveness.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy sound and smooth feel, ideal for those who prioritize auditory feedback and effortless typing. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor offers a punchy sound and pronounced tactile feedback, catering to users who enjoy a more immersive and responsive typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide satisfying results, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience on your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a satisfying combination of sound and smoothness, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced tactility that strikes a balance between feedback and smoothness, the Viola Tricolor is the way to go. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel of each switch to make the decision that best suits your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you.
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