Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a unique typing experience with distinct characteristics. The MX Silent Red is ideal for those seeking a satisfying typing experience with a significantly quieter sound profile, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switches are known for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the MX Silent Red is categorized as 'Muted', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the V3 Piano Pro is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro use nylon as their housing material, which results in similar typing experiences for users. The nylon material in both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorption qualities. This means that users can expect a quieter and more rounded sound while typing on both switches, making them suitable options for those who prefer a less clicky typing experience.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their housing materials, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro may differ in the design and construction of their housings. The way the housing is designed can impact the overall typing feel and sound, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Users may find subtle differences in the typing experience between these two switches based on the specific design choices made for their housings.
Overall, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer a similar typing experience due to their shared use of nylon housing material. Both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, making them suitable choices for those looking for a quieter typing experience. While there may be differences in the construction and design of their housings, users can expect consistent results in terms of sound and feel while using either switch.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and consistent typing experience for users. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cherry MX Silent Red has an unknown weight, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Cherry MX Silent Red. This means that the Akko V3 Piano Pro would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance, while the Cherry MX Silent Red would be better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have relatively short travel distances compared to traditional switches. The MX Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a quicker key press response time, making them ideal for gaming and typing activities that require rapid key input. However, the slight variance in travel distance may not be significant enough to notice a substantial difference in performance between the two switches. Ultimately, whether one prefers the Cherry MX Silent Red or the Akko V3 Piano Pro may come down to personal preference rather than the minimal difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Silent Red switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, providing a quieter and more subtle sound compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch delivers a clacky and resonant sound profile, adding a sharp and lively sound to each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, the MX Silent Red switch may be favored for its quieter operation, while the V3 Piano Pro switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more vibrant and percussive typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its textured actuation, offering a unique friction when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch provides a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, boasting a combination of spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. While the MX Silent Red switch may cater to users who appreciate a textured feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch appeals to those seeking a smoother and more refined typing sensation.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, the MX Silent Red switch may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more vibrant sound profile with a combination of bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, you should first think about your environment and personal preferences. If you are looking for a keyboard with a significantly quieter sound profile and minimal noise for a noise-sensitive environment, the Cherry MX Silent Red would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a snappy and lively sound signature with a smooth tactile experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize a silent operation or a more vibrant typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and the environment you will be using your keyboard in.
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