Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between tactile and linear options. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch renowned for its pronounced, invigorating bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who thrive on a more tactile response. Its sound signature is notably loud, featuring a bassy pitch that many enthusiasts find appealing for both auditory satisfaction and typing accuracy. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its smooth linear action, utilizing the latest molds from Huano, which ensures a fluid typing experience devoid of tactile interruptions. With a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte strikes a middle ground—offering enough auditory feedback without overwhelming the user. Choosing between these two switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing style and sound preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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 top housings of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a notable distinction is evident in the materials used. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's rigidity allows it to produce more resonant tones, making it an excellent choice for those who value the acoustic clarity in their switches. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing. Although known for its exceptional durability and smooth operation, the POK material also contributes to a different acoustic quality, characterized as smooth and clacky. The differences in sound profile suggest that while both switches may deliver satisfactory auditory experiences, the V3's polycarbonate is likely to be brighter and more defined, whereas the Strawberry Latte edges towards a softer, more rounded sound.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Strawberry Latte make use of nylon, a classic choice well-regarded in the mechanical switch community. Nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, imparting a more subdued acoustic quality that is desirable for those who prefer a rich and round typing experience. The fact that both switches use nylon for the bottom housing means that they share a common foundation in terms of auditory feedback when bottoming out. This similarity suggests that users can expect a comparable feel and sound on key actuation despite the differing properties of their top housings, reinforcing the notion that the bottom housing has a significant impact on the switch's overall response.
In essence, the differing materials of the top housings between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte create unique auditory experiences while the shared nylon bottom housings contribute to a consistent underlying sound profile. Users can anticipate that the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 will provide a brighter tonal quality when releasing the keys, while the POK material of the Strawberry Latte lends itself to a more subdued sound profile. Ultimately, even though the switches have contrasting top housing materials yielding different acoustic characteristics, the nylon bottom housings ensure that both switch types display similar performance in terms of overall sound and typing feel, resulting in a harmonious blending of qualities for users.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal notable differences in their characteristics. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a heavier actuation force of 35 grams, but a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while both switches are considered light overall, the Creamy Purple Pro is lighter when it comes to the actuation force, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte provides a firmer initial press but bottoms out more gently. Therefore, users seeking a lighter feel might prefer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, whereas those who enjoy a bit more resistance during actuation might lean towards the Strawbery Latte, despite its lower bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Strawberry Latte features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro the shorter option, catering to gamers and users who favor quicker responses and a more tactile experience. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel during key presses, providing a "hearty depth" that some users enjoy. Thus, choosing between these two switches will largely depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch produces a loud sound signature characterized by a bassier pitch, making it noticeable when typing or gaming. This switch's audibility may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when they activate a key. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a balanced sound profile that falls somewhere in the middle—it's not too quiet, nor is it overly resonant. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a subtle audio experience without overwhelming distractions. It's important to remember that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, so users may experience variations in sound regardless of the switches themselves.
When considering the feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is notable for its large, invigorating tactile bump, providing a distinct feedback that can enhance typists' awareness of their keystrokes and improve overall typing satisfaction. This tactile sensation can be particularly satisfying for users who appreciate a clear indication of actuation. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is praised for its smoothness, a quality garnered from Huano's latest molding technology. This smoothness offers an effortless keystroke experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize fluidity in their typing, whether for gaming or general use. Thus, each switch provides a unique tactile experience, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offer distinct qualities that can appeal to different users based on their sound and feel preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its loud, bass-centric sound and a pronounced tactile bump, ideal for those who enjoy a defined feedback experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte presents a balanced sound profile and an exceptionally smooth keystroke, appealing to those who favor a more fluid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preferences for auditory feedback and tactile sensation, ensuring that each user can find a switch that suits their unique typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for feedback and sound, as well as your typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile response and the excitement of a loud keypress, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro with its 50-gram actuation force might be ideal for you. This switch excels for those who find joy in the tactile bump and appreciate a bass-heavy acoustic profile, making it suitable for both typing and gaming, where you need to feel and hear your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte at 45 grams could be your best bet. Its linear action provides a seamless typing experience without tactile interruptions, which is great for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. The balanced sound profile also ensures that you can type away without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your desire for feedback versus smoothness, as well as how much sound you want your keystrokes to produce.
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