Cherry MX Brown vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for discussion are the Cherry MX Brown and the Akko V3 Piano Pro. The Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its subtlety, offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the MX Brown is categorized as 'Textured', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched', the V3 Piano Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Both the Cherry MX Brown and the Akko V3 Piano Pro use nylon as their housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs sound better than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This material choice ultimately contributes to a more satisfying typing experience for users of both switches. Since both switches utilize the same housing material, the overall sound profile and feel when typing on them will be quite similar.
The nylon top housing of both the Cherry MX Brown and the Akko V3 Piano Pro plays a crucial role in the sound produced when typing on the switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. When comparing the typing experience of these switches, users can expect a more tactile and satisfying feel due to the nylon top housing. The top housing's impact on the sound when releasing a key adds to the overall typing experience, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a more rounded sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the Cherry MX Brown and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, the qualities brought by the nylon material contribute significantly to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing influences the sound and feel when bottoming out a key, providing a more cushioned and satisfying experience for users. With the softer nature of nylon, users can expect a quieter and more pleasant typing experience, enhancing the overall performance of the switches. Ultimately, the use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of these switches ensures a consistent and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch are identical at 45 grams and 55 grams, respectively. Both switches fall under the category of medium-light in terms of force required for typing. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of pressure needed for key presses. Despite differences in their tactile and linear characteristics, users who prefer a lighter typing experience will find that both switches offer a comfortable feel for extended typing sessions. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches to be on the lighter side. Ultimately, whether the user opts for the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, they can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 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 shorter travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Brown. The Cherry MX Brown's 4 mm travel distance is closer to the traditional distance, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro's shorter 3.5 mm distance may appeal more to gamers looking for faster response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro to be too abrupt, and may prefer the more gradual depth offered by the Cherry MX Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 Cherry MX Brown switch provides a bassy and low-pitched audio profile, offering a deep and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is characterized by a clacky and resonant sound, producing a sharp and percussive sound that is crisp and bright. The difference in sound between the two switches can impact the overall typing experience, with the Cherry MX Brown offering a more subtle and muted audio feedback compared to the livelier and more pronounced sound of the Akko V3 Piano Pro.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its textured typing experience, providing users with a subtle friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, giving a spring-like feedback with a smooth and buttery sensation while typing. The contrast in the tactile feedback between the switches can greatly influence the typing experience, with the Cherry MX Brown offering a more subdued and subtle tactility compared to the more lively and smooth feel of the Akko V3 Piano Pro.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel of the Cherry MX Brown and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches, it is evident that they offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Brown excels in providing a quieter and more understated typing experience with gentle tactility, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro stands out for its livelier sound signature and smooth actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, with users likely to have a different typing experience based on their selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose Cherry MX Brown tactile switches or Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches, you should first think about your typing preference. If you prefer a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, then the Cherry MX Browns would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a snappy sound signature with a smooth actuation and lively, crisp quality to each keystroke, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and the overall feel and sound you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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