Huano Elf vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Huano Elf switches are renowned for their POK top housing, which enhances acoustic performance and delivers a deep sound signature that, combined with a medium-light feel, creates a satisfying typing experience. Ideal for those who appreciate a straightforward yet enjoyable sound profile during extended typing sessions, the Elf switches provide a smooth and responsive experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are designed with a long pole, offering a snappy sound signature that injects a lively and crisp quality into every keystroke. Not only do these switches provide distinct auditory feedback, but they also maintain a smooth actuation, appealing to users who enjoy a more dynamic typing sensation. While both switches offer their unique advantages—Elf for its rich acoustics and moderate feedback, and Piano Pro for its auditory vibrancy and smoothness—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches showcase both similarities and differences that markedly influence their performance and acoustic profiles. The Huano Elf features a top housing made of polyketone (POK), which is known for its impressive durability and low friction coefficient of 0.04. This contributes to a smooth typing experience characterized by clacky sounds. In contrast, the top housing of the Akko V3 Piano Pro is composed of nylon, a well-established material in the world of mechanical switches. While nylon scores a slightly lower friction coefficient of 0.03, it is softer and designed to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Hence, while both switches may provide a smooth typing experience, the Huano Elf lends itself more to a crisper sound, while the Akko V3 focuses on enveloping the user in a richer audio profile.

Both the Huano Elf and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to qualitative similarities regarding sound and tactile feedback. In both cases, the nylon material contributes to a softer keystroke feel, creating a rounded sound profile due to its sound absorption characteristics. The ability of nylon to dampen sound results in a muted auditory experience that many users find more enjoyable, especially when typing or gaming extensively. This focus on achieving a deep, full sound with nylon as the common denominator emphasizes the user experience across both types of switches and demonstrates how the materials play a vital role in defining the overall sound and feel at the bottom of the keystroke.

Given that the Huano Elf and the Akko V3 Piano Pro share nylon for their bottom housings, they can achieve similar results in terms of sound quality despite their differing top housing materials. The degree to which each switch's sound profile differs primarily stems from the contrasting top materials; the POK of the Elf versus the nylon of the Akko. Thus, when pressed, both switches will give a fairly similar auditory experience during the bottoming-out phase, owing to the shared nylon characteristic, but diverge upon release due to the unique nature of their top materials. Ultimately, the compatibility of the nylon bottom housing in both models ensures that users can enjoy a resonant and rich typing experience, especially when considering the acoustic dynamics at play throughout each keystroke.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Elf switch features an actuation force of 42 grams, making it a lighter option for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, which is ideal for extended periods of use, such as during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. While the bottom out force for the Elf switch remains unknown, the V3 Piano Pro has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-light. This means that the V3 Piano Pro provides a firmer resistance when fully pressed down, potentially enhancing the tactile feedback for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the Elf is better suited for those seeking a lighter switch experience, whereas the V3 Piano Pro caters to users who might appreciate the additional weight and resistance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that they differ slightly in their specifications. The Huano Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter. For users seeking faster response times, the V3 Piano Pro's shorter distance may be more appealing; however, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys might gravitate towards the Elf switch. Both switches offer relatively shallow travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, catering to modern preferences for responsiveness in gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Huano Elf linear switch offers a deep sound signature that creates a rich auditory experience, largely attributed to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics. This results in a resonance that can be satisfying for those who appreciate a full-bodied sound in their typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch delivers a more lively and crisp auditory profile, characterized by a snappy and clacky quality with resonant tones that provide an engaging typing experience. The sound produced by the V3 Piano Pro is bright and percussive, which can make it feel more energetic compared to the deeper resonance of the Elf. However, it is essential to note that the final sound experience from either switch can be greatly influenced by other factors like the keyboard's build quality, plate materials, and keycap choice.

In terms of feel, the Huano Elf switch is recognized for its medium-light actuation, contributing to a pleasant typing experience, though specific descriptors of its tactile feedback were not provided. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro excels with a bouncy and lively feel, which gives users a delightful rebound sensation when a key is pressed. The typing experience is further enriched by creamy, polished, and silky qualities, suggesting that the V3 Piano Pro offers a buttery smooth touch that glides effortlessly during keystrokes. This variety in tactile feedback might appeal to users looking for an engaging and fluid typing experience, especially when compared to the more straightforward feel of the Elf.

In summary, while the Huano Elf switch provides a satisfying deep sound with a medium-light touch, the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a more vibrant and snappy auditory experience, paired with a rich tactile feedback profile that features bouncy, creamy, and silky sensations. If you're looking for a keyboard that feels lively and engaging, the V3 Piano Pro might be the better choice, whereas the Elf's deep sound could appeal to those seeking a more grounded auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches can provide a highly enjoyable typing experience, and preferences will vary based on individual taste in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you’re seeking a switch that provides a deep, rich sound signature combined with a medium-light tactile feel, the Elf switch might be ideal for you. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a subtler auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively, crisp auditory profile with a more pronounced snappiness in your keystrokes, the Akko V3 Piano Pro would be the better option. This switch not only provides a delightful clacky and resonant sound but also boasts a bouncy and silky feel, making it great for both gaming and typing. Ultimately, consider what sounds—both in terms of typing acoustics and tactile feedback—will enhance your keyboard experience, and choose the switch that aligns with those preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more