Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon materials, resulting in a creamy and lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel straight out of the box. This makes it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who enjoy hand-lubing their switches and prefer a mild and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro boasts a long pole design that produces a snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Despite this auditory charm, these switches maintain a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on the user's preference, 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both use nylon as a material for their switch housings, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Keygeek Raw also incorporates UPE and Si in its blend for the top and bottom housings, creating a unique combination exclusive to their switches. This blend may offer a different tactile and auditory experience compared to the V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing, providing a softer and rounder sound due to the absorbing properties of the materials used.
In terms of sound production, the nylon top and bottom housings of both switches contribute to a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. However, the Keygeek Raw's UMPE & Si blend adds a potentially distinct character to the sound and feel of the switch compared to the V3 Piano Pro's pure nylon construction. This difference in housing materials may result in variations in the typing experience, with the Keygeek Raw offering a more specialized and exclusive tactile response for those seeking a unique typing experience.
Overall, while both the Keygeek Raw and the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon in their housing materials for a deep and full sound profile, the Keygeek Raw stands out with its exclusive blend of UMPE and Si in both the top and bottom housings. This unique combination may provide a different typing experience compared to the V3 Piano Pro, offering users a potentially softer and rounder sound when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that there are some differences between the two. The Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Akko V3 Piano Pro's 55-gram bottom out force. Additionally, the Keygeek Raw's actuation force is listed as None grams, making it difficult to directly compare to the Akko V3 Piano Pro's 45-gram actuation force. Overall, the Keygeek Raw is the heavier switch in terms of bottom out force, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro is slightly lighter. This means that those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Keygeek Raw, while those who prefer a lighter touch may prefer the Akko V3 Piano Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Keygeek Raw. The difference between the two is minimal, with both switches falling within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Keygeek Raw with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Akko V3 Piano Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that can provide a responsive typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various users and environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound that adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between a more neutral tone with the Keygeek Raw or a vibrant and sharp sound with the V3 Piano Pro.
Moving on to feel, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a textured and mild typing experience with subtle resistance, making it suitable for most users. In comparison, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with reduced friction. Depending on your preference for typing feel, you can opt for the textured and mild Keygeek Raw switch or the bouncy and smooth Akko V3 Piano Pro switch.
Overall, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches differ in both sound and feel qualities. If you prefer a neutral sound and a textured, mild typing experience, the Keygeek Raw switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a clacky, resonant sound and a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will get a satisfying typing experience based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a switch with a unique material blend that provides a slightly textured feel and is perfect for hand-lubing, then the Keygeek Raw linear switch is the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a snappy sound signature that adds a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke and maintains a smooth actuation, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Consider your typing experience, preferred sound profile, and the level of customization you desire when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, selecting the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style will enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
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