Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Haimu Neo White both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro is loved for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Neo White stands out with its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, offering a distinctive typing feel thanks to the smooth actuation of the Ly stem. While the Crystal Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Chirpy', and 'Polished', the Neo White falls into the categories of 'Mild' and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different users, 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
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Haimu Neo White both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, enhancing the clear and resonant sound produced by both keyboards. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through for a visually appealing effect. While both keyboards share this top housing material, they differ in the material used for the bottom housing.
In contrast to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro, the Haimu Neo White features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than polycarbonate. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing. The choice of material for the bottom housing can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard, with nylon offering a different typing experience compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of typing experience, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials in a switch can affect the overall typing feel and sound profile of a keyboard. While both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Haimu Neo White share the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their choice of different materials for the bottom housing results in unique typing experiences for users of each keyboard.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it can be seen that the V3 Crystal Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force at 48 grams compared to the Neo White's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Neo White is slightly heavier at 58 grams compared to the V3 Crystal Pro's 60 grams. The difference in actuation force may not be significant unless one prefers a very light touch for typing, while the slight variation in bottom out force may provide a slightly different typing experience. Overall, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out force, offering a balanced feel for typing and gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The V3 Crystal Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth. On the other hand, the Neo White's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for quick and effortless key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the feel and responsiveness of the key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal 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 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 per 10 switches.
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
Overall, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a unique and distinctive sound profile with a chirpy tone and a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a more neutral sound and a slightly reduced total travel distance for a different typing feel. The V3 Crystal Pro switch is bouncy and polished, providing a lively and refined typing experience, while the Neo White switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone. Depending on personal preferences, the Crystal Pro switch may be preferred for those who enjoy a more vibrant sound and bouncy feel, while the Neo White switch may be favored by those seeking a more neutral sound and a mild typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and it ultimately comes down to individual preference when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a gentle typing experience with a slightly reduced total travel, the Neo White would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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