SP-Star Meteor White vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Meteor White and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to preference in sound and feel. The Meteor White offers a gentle linear switch experience, with a soft type feel and a subtle pitter-patter sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switches are known for their snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke, while still maintaining a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. While these general pointers may guide your decision, it's important to delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch to determine which one best suits your preferences.
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
Gold plated
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Meteor White and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are both made of nylon, which is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either keyboard.
However, despite both keyboards utilizing nylon for the top and bottom housings, differences may arise based on the specific design and construction of each keyboard. The qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing will affect the sound when a key is released. These differences in housing design can potentially lead to variations in typing experience and sound profile between the SP-Star Meteor White and the Akko V3 Piano Pro.
Overall, while both keyboards share the use of nylon as the housing material, the specific design and implementation of the material may result in subtle differences in typing experience and sound profile. Users looking for a keyboard with a deeper and fuller sound may appreciate the nylon housing of both the SP-Star Meteor White and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, but may find nuanced distinctions in how each keyboard translates this material into a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that they both fall under the category of medium-light switches. The Meteor White has an actuation force of None grams, making it difficult to determine the exact force required to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a lighter touch compared to the Meteor White. In terms of bottom out force, the Meteor White requires 57 grams of force to fully press down the key, while the V3 Piano Pro requires 55 grams. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a relatively low actuation force, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Meteor White. The Meteor White with a 4 mm travel distance is more in line with traditional switch travel distances, providing a greater sense of depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro's 3.5 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower feel, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Meteor White catering to those who prefer a deeper press and the V3 Piano Pro catering to those who prefer a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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
In terms of sound, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a more subdued and thocky sound profile, characterized by a gentle pitter-patter sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a snappy and clacky sound signature with a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. The Meteor White switch gives off a neutral and thocky sound, while the Piano Pro switch delivers a clacky and resonant sound, creating a sharp and percussive auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as keyboard choice and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel to most users. The smooth and refined finish of the switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing sensation, giving a spring-like feedback with a buttery smooth feel to each keystroke. Both switches provide a pleasant tactile experience, with the Meteor White leaning towards a more mild and polished feel, while the Piano Pro offers a bouncier and creamier typing sensation.
Overall, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch each have their unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Meteor White provides a softer and more gentle sound profile and typing experience, while the Piano Pro delivers a snappier and livelier sound with a bouncier and creamier feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a subdued and thocky typing experience or a snappy and clacky sound signature, these switches cater to different tastes in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a soft and gentle typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the Meteor White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a snappy and lively sound signature with a smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro might be more to your liking. Consider your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to make the best decision for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience in different ways.
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