PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer two enticing options, each with its own distinctive features. The Jacaranda, crafted by KTT, is renowned for its gentle bottom-out feel of 43.5g, which promotes comfort during extended typing sessions and minimizes finger fatigue. Its clacky sound signature provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists appreciate, while the extended 22mm spring delivers a unique bounciness that enhances the overall tactile sensation. On the flip side, the Akko V3 Piano Pro presents a lively alternative; with its long pole design, this switch produces a snappy and vibrant acoustic response, combined with an impressively smooth actuation that offers a polished and refined typing experience. Both switches offer their own appeal, making them fantastic choices, whether you prioritize comfort and fatigue-free typing with the Jacaranda or crave the dynamic auditory and tactile feedback of the V3 Piano Pro. 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
39g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Akko V3 Piano Pro showcase distinctively different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic characteristics. The Jacaranda utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This choice contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile, making it particularly well-suited for actuation in RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro opts for a nylon top housing, which is softer by nature and leads to a fuller, deeper sound. The nylon material absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder acoustic experience that may appeal to those seeking a more subdued typing sound.
Interestingly, both models feature nylon for their bottom housings, emphasizing a shared characteristic that contributes similarly to the overall sound profile. Both housings are designed to produce a deeper and fuller sound, a trait facilitated by the inherent softness of nylon, which dampens higher frequencies. This shared bottom housing material implies that regardless of the differences in their top housings, the two switches will produce a comparable bottom-out sound, enhancing their compatibility for users who enjoy a more muted auditory experience. As such, while the top housings create distinct sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing ensures a certain level of acoustic harmony between the two models.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the PH Studio Jacaranda and Akko V3 Piano Pro provides a forum for evaluating how different aspects of sound production are affected by housing choices. The impact of the polycarbonate top housing in the Jacaranda is more pronounced when keys are released, contributing to clarity and brightness in the sound profile. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro which absorbs sound may lead to a muted release noise. Thus, while the switches diverge in their top housing materials, the common nylon bottom housing mitigates drastic disparities in overall sound quality, fostering a nuanced comparison without sacrificing tonal depth or resonance across both models.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jacaranda has a light actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch that allows for longer typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it in the medium-light category. This increased resistance may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. While the Jacaranda allows for a more effortless key press, the V3 Piano Pro’s heavier actuation could provide a more tactile experience for some users. Overall, those who prioritize a lighter switch may gravitate toward the Jacaranda, while those seeking a bit more resistance and feedback in their keystrokes might prefer the V3 Piano Pro.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is identical at 3.5 mm. This means that users of both switches will experience the same distance when pressing down on the keys, providing a similar tactile experience. Since their travel distances are equal, those looking for consistent key feel across different switches can expect comparable results when using either the Jacaranda or the V3 Piano Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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
When it comes to sound, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches deliver a clacky auditory experience that is characterized by sharp and snappy sounds with each keystroke. The Jacaranda produces a high-pitched, crisp, and resonant tone that offers an immersive auditory experience, making each press feel vibrant. Similarly, the V3 Piano Pro echoes this high-pitched resonance and crispness, creating an equally lively sound profile. Both switches provide a clean and bright auditory feedback that enthusiasts will appreciate. The overall sound experience, however, can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard plate and keycap material, so users looking for specific sound characteristics should consider these variables.
In terms of feel, the PH Studio Jacaranda stands out for its silky typing experience, allowing for exceptionally smooth key presses that minimize resistance during actuation. It is designed to provide a fatigue-free typing experience, which makes it an appealing choice for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a bouncier feel, giving users an elastic feedback sensation with vibrant rebound upon activation. The V3 also leans towards a creamy and polished sensation, suggesting a smooth and refined experience thanks to high-quality materials or factory lubrication. While the Jacaranda focuses on smoothness and ease of typing, the V3 Piano Pro tends to energize the typing experience with a lively bounce.
In summation, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches excel in their own unique qualities, making them appealing options for different preferences. The Jacaranda offers a clacky, high-pitched sound and a silky feel, ideal for users who value a smooth typing experience. Conversely, the V3 Piano Pro also features a bright, clacky sound but enhances the tactile experience with a bouncy and creamy feedback sensation. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise an engaging typing experience, but you may find yourself drawn to one over the other based on your desired auditory and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lighter touch with a gentle bottom-out force of 45 grams, which contributes to a more fatigue-free typing experience, the Jacaranda would be an ideal choice for you. Its distinct clacky and high-pitched sound combined with the unique bouncy feeling from the extended 22mm spring creates an extraordinarily enjoyable typing experience, particularly suited for those who enjoy quick, responsive keystrokes without the strain. On the other hand, if you're after a switch that delivers a medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams with a lively, snappy sound profile, you might prefer the Akko V3 Piano Pro. This switch offers a pleasant smoothness and a bouncy feel that can enhance your typing rhythm, making it a great option for gamers or those who sometimes require a bit more resistance while typing. Both switches bring their special characteristics to the table, so consider your tactile and auditory preferences carefully to find the one that best fits your needs.
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