Cherry MX Red vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Cherry MX Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are both linear switches, but they offer distinct typing experiences. While the MX Red is praised for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. With categories like 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the V3 Piano Pro promises a pleasing tactile experience. Choosing between these two switches would depend on personal preferences in terms of feel and sound. 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
N/A
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
Both the Cherry MX Red and Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon as their top and bottom housing materials, resulting in a similar typing experience for users. The nylon material in both switches absorbs sound effectively, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to switches made from harder plastics. This softer plastic construction also contributes to a duller and rounder sound when typing, enhancing the overall auditory experience for users of both switches.
Despite the similarities in housing materials between the Cherry MX Red and Akko V3 Piano Pro, differences may still exist in their overall performance. The qualities brought by the housing material are divided between the top and bottom housing of each switch, impacting the sound and feel in different ways. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound produced when releasing a key. These nuances can result in slight variations in the typing experience between the two switches.
In conclusion, the choice between the Cherry MX Red and Akko V3 Piano Pro may ultimately come down to personal preference and specific typing needs. Both switches offer the benefits of nylon housing material, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. While subtle differences may exist in how the housing materials impact the sound and feel of each switch, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and typing comfort from both the Cherry MX Red and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that they will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, resulting in similar typing experiences in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cherry MX Red switch does not specify a value, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that the Akko V3 switch will provide a bit more resistance when fully pressed down compared to the Cherry MX Red switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Cherry MX Red switch may be more favorable, while the Akko V3 switch would be suitable for those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Cherry MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro. The Cherry MX Red is a more traditional option with a 4.0mm travel distance, offering a deeper feel when typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro with a 3.5mm travel distance provides a shallower feel, which is preferred by some gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a deeper or shallower feel when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red switch offers a deep and low-pitched "thocky" sound, creating a rich and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch provides a clacky and resonant sound profile, giving each keystroke a sharp and bright quality. Depending on personal preference, the MX Red switch may be preferred for its deeper tones, while the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a lively and crisp sound that adds a unique flair to typing sessions.
Moving on to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may provide some users with a tactile sensation during typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy and creamy feel, giving a spring-like feedback and smooth keystrokes that glide effortlessly. Additionally, the V3 Piano Pro switch features a polished and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and ensuring a refined feel with each key press. Depending on preference, users may enjoy the textured feel of the MX Red switch or opt for the smooth and polished sensation of the V3 Piano Pro switch.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Red and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red switch provides a slightly heftier feel and a low-pitched, thocky sound, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a lively and clacky sound with bouncy and creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and desired typing experience, each offering a unique combination of sound and feel for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Users can expect similar results in certain qualities, such as smoothness in actuation, but will enjoy unique characteristics from each switch in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smoother actuation, the Cherry MX Red with its lack of bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier touch with a snappier sound signature and a more tactile typing experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro with its 55-gram bottom out force and unique characteristics such as a bouncy and creamy feel, might be the right fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to have.
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