Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch that boasts a prominent tactile bump, providing users with an invigorating feedback and a loud, bass-heavy sound signature that many find satisfying, especially for typing enthusiasts who enjoy a strong tactile response. Conversely, the V3 Piano Pro is a linear switch designed with a long pole, known for its snappy and crisp sound, coupled with a smooth actuation that delivers a sleek, enjoyable typing experience. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. Ultimately, whether you prefer the pronounced tactile sensation of the Creamy Purple Pro or the smooth and resonant experience of the Piano Pro, each switch has its own set of advantages tailored to different styles of use. 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
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches highlight distinct auditory characteristics that affect the overall typing experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This contributes to a clearer resonance, making it an excellent choice for users who desire a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing for a dynamic visual experience, especially appealing to gamers and enthusiasts seeking a vibrant aesthetic.
In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro employs a nylon top housing, a classic choice that imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile to the typing experience. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory tone. This provides a distinctly warm and muted typing feedback, making it preferable for users who favor a softer, less intrusive sound while executing their keypresses. The nylon material effectively diminishes harshness, creating a more comfortable auditory environment for prolonged use, whether for professional typing or leisurely gaming sessions.
Both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and V3 Piano Pro share nylon as their bottom housing material, contributing similarly to the typing feel and lower range sound profile. The upper housing materials, however, distinctly shape the character of each switch. While the nylon bottom housing in both switches provides that familiar, fuller sound upon bottoming out, the influence of the top housing material is profound when releasing the keys. Therefore, users can expect a diverse set of auditory experiences based on which model they choose, as the combination of materials results in contrasting sound profiles that cater to different sensory preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to varying preferences among typists and gamers. The Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a more effortless typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Piano Pro requires a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a slightly heftier push feel for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. This difference indicates that while the Creamy Purple Pro is lighter, offering easier keystrokes, the Piano Pro is heavier, potentially enhancing tactile feedback. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch may prefer the Creamy Purple Pro, whereas those desiring a firmer feel might opt for the Piano Pro.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference indicates that the Creamy Purple Pro is more responsive and ideal for gamers looking for quicker key presses. Conversely, the Piano Pro, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer the sensation of additional depth while typing. Ultimately, if you favor speed and agility in your keystrokes, the Creamy Purple Pro is likely the better choice, whereas the Piano Pro might suit users who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch produces a notably loud and bass-heavy sound signature, characterized by a robust auditory presence that resonates with each keystroke. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a distinctly snappy and clacky sound profile, which is crisp and bright, delivering a lively auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. While both switches generate a stark acoustic footprint, their tonal qualities differ, with the Creamy Purple Pro leaning towards a deeper tone, while the Piano Pro's sound is sharper and more resonant.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its invigorating tactile feedback, featuring a pronounced bump accompanied by a bouncy sensation that provides a responsive rebound. This tactile enjoyment is complemented by its polished finish, resulting in smooth key travels. In comparison, the V3 Piano Pro excels in providing a creamy and silky typing experience, thanks to its wobble-free actuation and a refined surface that enhances smoothness. The Piano Pro ensures a seamless typing experience with minimal resistance, making it feel effortless, while the tactile nature of the Creamy Purple Pro offers a different engagement level that some typists may find invigorating.
In summary, if you're choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, you can expect distinct differences in both sound and feel. The Creamy Purple Pro presents a bassier, loud sound accompanied by a pronounced tactile experience, while the Piano Pro offers a crisp, snappy auditory feedback alongside a silky smooth actuation. Depending on your preferences for auditory and tactile feedback, either switch could satisfy your needs, but they cater to different styles of typing, leading to unique experiences overall.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback that provides a clear, invigorating bump with each keystroke, the Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent option for you. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it well-suited for extended typing sessions, especially if you appreciate a more tactile and bassy sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory dimension to your typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more fluid typing experience, the Piano Pro with its slightly heavier 55-gram bottom-out force is a better fit. The Piano Pro's crisp sound signature and silky feel will appeal to you if you appreciate the lively and snappy auditory feedback without the pronounced tactile bump. Ultimately, both switches have their unique charm; your decision should reflect the typing feel and sound signature that resonate with you the most.
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