SP-Star Meteor Orange vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, the differences are immediately noticeable. The Meteor Orange switches are praised for their gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, providing a soft and seductive typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro switches feature a snappy sound signature and a smooth actuation, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Meteor Orange switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', 'Polished', the V3 Piano Pro is classified as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', 'Silky'. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are both made of nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In terms of sound quality, both keyboards are likely to produce similar results due to the shared nylon material in their housings.
However, if the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the two parts. For the Meteor Orange, the nylon top housing influences the sound when a key is released, while the nylon bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The same applies to the Akko V3 Piano Pro, where the top and bottom nylon housings also work in tandem to impact the overall sound experience of typing on the keyboard.
Overall, the use of nylon in the housing materials of both the SP-Star Meteor Orange and the Akko V3 Piano Pro ensures a consistent and enhanced typing experience. The softness of nylon allows for a smoother and quieter operation, as it dampens sound and creates a more uniform sound profile. Whether it's the bottom-out sound or the sound when a key is released, the nylon housing materials in both keyboards contribute to a deeper and fuller overall typing experience that is sure to please keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both fall into the medium-light category in terms of bottom out force, with the Meteor Orange at 57 grams and the V3 Piano Pro at 55 grams. However, when it comes to actuation force, the V3 Piano Pro is lighter at 45 grams compared to the Meteor Orange's unspecified force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Meteor Orange for a more substantial typing experience. Since both switches have similar bottom out forces, users can expect comparable results in that aspect. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Meteor Orange has a longer travel distance at 4mm compared to the V3 Piano Pro with a travel distance of 3.5mm. The Meteor Orange offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a suitable choice for gamers or individuals looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer a longer, more tactile experience or a shorter, more responsive one. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, providing users with a choice based on their individual needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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
The SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is known for its gentle and soft tactility, providing a smooth and pleasing typing experience. The neutral sound profile of the Meteor Orange switch contributes to a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience, ideal for both work and home environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a snappy and lively sound signature, adding a crisp and vibrant quality to each keystroke. The switch maintains a smooth actuation, ensuring a satisfying tactile experience for the user.
When it comes to sound, the Meteor Orange switch provides a neutral and thocky sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a deep, rich sound when pressed. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro switch produces a clacky and resonant sound, with a sharp and percussive quality that enhances the auditory feedback during typing. The sound produced by each switch is also influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, ultimately shaping the overall typing experience for the user.
In terms of feel, the Meteor Orange switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, characterized by a gentle and approachable tactile feel. The smooth and refined finish of the switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch provides a bouncy, creamy, and silky typing experience, with a lively rebound and buttery smoothness that makes typing a pleasure. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek and comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Meteor Orange switch provides a soft and neutral typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro switch delivers a lively and snappy feel. Both switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience, ensuring that users will enjoy a comfortable and satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a gentle and neutral typing experience with a softer tactility, the Meteor Orange switch would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you enjoy a snappy and crisp keystroke with a lively sound signature, the Piano Pro switch would be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer a medium-light bottom out force, so it really comes down to whether you prioritize tactility or sound profile in your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on your individual preferences and typing style.
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