Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often delve into the nuances of different options to find the perfect fit. Take, for instance, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct tactile experiences. The V3 Crystal Pro is celebrated for its fully polycarbonate construction, which contributes to a bright, chirpy sound and a silky smooth typing experience characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Chirpy', and 'Polished'. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte utilizes cutting-edge molds to deliver an exceptionally smooth keystroke with a balanced sound profile—not too quiet, yet not overly resonant. While the Crystal Pro's vibrant audio and polished feel may appeal to those seeking an energetic typing experience, the Strawberry Latte could attract users who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback without compromising smoothness. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte, notable distinctions arise in the design intentions and resulting sound profiles. The V3 Crystal Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its rigidity and ability to generate a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This stiffness allows for a clearer, more resonant auditory experience, perfect for enhancing RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK material for its top housing. POK is not only characterized by its low friction and smoothness but also by an impressive durability, contributing to a smooth, clacky sound profile that caters to varying user preferences. While both materials are designed to optimize performance, they each express sound in unique ways: polycarbonate sharpness versus the smoother resonance of POK.
The bottom housing materials further differentiate the two switches, both in terms of sound quality and tactile feedback. The V3 Crystal Pro incorporates polycarbonate as its bottom housing, which complements the top housing's qualities by carrying through the clarity and resonance established above. This uniformity might lead to an overall bright sound profile, where each keystroke reflects the signature attributes of polycarbonate. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte uses nylon for its bottom housing, contributing a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound. This material’s softer nature allows for a more rounded auditory experience, distinct from the sharper tones of polycarbonate. Consequently, while both switches may incorporate plastics that vary in rigidity and sound absorption, the result is two unique auditory experiences shaped by their respective housing materials.
Despite their differences, these switches can yield similar experiences in certain contexts. For users prioritizing tactile feedback and sound quality, both switches can be optimized for performance, depending on individual preferences. The interplay of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch creates a distinct character for each keystroke. Thus, even with divergent materials, it's possible to achieve satisfying results: the V3 Crystal Pro's bright sound profile could feel lively and engaging, while the Strawberry Latte might offer a more rounded, comforting typing experience. By understanding these variations, users can select a switch that aligns with their personal typing style while appreciating the nuanced contributions of each housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, a notable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Crystal Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it in the medium range. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This means that users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing sessions would likely favor the Strawberry Latte, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel—inherent in the heavier V3 Crystal Pro—might find it more satisfying. Ultimately, if you're seeking less fatigue during extended use, the Strawberry Latte would be the better option, whereas the V3 Crystal Pro offers a firmer experience for those who appreciate a heavier keystroke.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minimal, but it can influence the feel of the switch during use. The shorter travel distance of the Strawberry Latte could deliver a more responsive typing experience, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker input. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feedback that some typists appreciate for a satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a deeper feel during key activation.
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 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
When it comes to sound characteristics, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches provide a uniquely bright and chirpy audio experience. This distinct sound profile includes a slight squeak that adds character to each keystroke, making typing feel more lively. The fully polycarbonate construction contributes to this acoustic signature, making it not only enjoyable for the typist but also perceptibly different from many other switches. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches possess a more balanced sound profile, which strikes a middle ground between loudness and resonance. Although not elaborated upon in terms of specific descriptors, the overall sound is likened to an ideal sweet spot for general typing tasks, allowing for an engaging auditory experience without being overly noisy.
Regarding the feel of each switch, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches stand out with their bouncy and polished characteristics. The bouncy feel provides a delightful spring-like feedback, lending a lively sensation that users often find enjoyable during extended typing sessions. The polished design enhances this experience by minimizing friction and ensuring smoother key travel. This combination results in a refined and satisfying typing sensation. In comparison, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switches is not explicitly described, leaving it an unknown quality. However, the smoothness implied in their construction suggests they could offer a pleasant typing sensation as well.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches are celebrated for their bright chirpy sound and engaging bouncy feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer a balanced auditory profile with a potentially smooth typing experience. If you're seeking a vivid sound and lively feedback, the V3 Crystal Pro is a strong choice. Meanwhile, if the more balanced sound and possibly smooth operation of the Strawberry Lattes align with your preferences, they could be equally appealing. Ultimately, the differing qualities of these switches cater to diverse user tastes, allowing newcomers to find their ideal fit in the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a switch with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, a chirpy sound profile, and a bouncy, polished feel, the V3 Crystal Pro will likely suit you well, especially if you're looking for an engaging and lively typing experience. Its unique polycarbonate construction not only enhances the acoustics but also provides a smoothness that can make typing a joyous journey. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 45 grams, and you appreciate a balanced sound without overwhelming resonance, the Strawberry Latte might be more appealing to you. Its super smooth action makes it ideal for long typing sessions, allowing you to glide from key to key with ease. Thus, consider what aspects of sound, feel, and weight resonate with your typing style, and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences.
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