Haimu Neo White vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Haimu Neo White and Akko V3 Silver Pro both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The Neo White stands out with its medium weight and smooth actuation thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem, providing a satisfying typing experience categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral'. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is designed specifically for gamers, offering effortless keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound, a light actuation force, and shortened travel distance, categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Creamy', 'Feathery', 'High-pitched', 'Polished', and 'Silky'. While both switches have their own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific usage scenarios. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Haimu Neo White and the Akko V3 Silver Pro feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, despite both switches having polycarbonate top housing, they may have different sound profiles based on other factors such as the bottom housing material.
On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White and the Akko V3 Silver Pro differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Neo White uses nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which means both switches should provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound.
Overall, both the Haimu Neo White and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer unique combinations of housing materials that affect the sound profile of the switches. While they share the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the difference in their bottom housing materials may result in variations in the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper sound profile with nylon, both switches offer quality materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, there are notable differences. The Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro is lighter, with a bottom out force of 45 grams. While the actuation force of the Neo White is unknown, we do know that the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams. The lighter actuation force of the V3 Silver Pro may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Neo White might be favored by those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on the user's preferences, with the Neo White providing a medium-weight option and the V3 Silver Pro offering a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Neo White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Silver Pro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the Neo White may provide a slightly more substantial feel due to its longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on the keys. Overall, the difference in travel distance is minimal, so you can expect similar results in terms of feel and performance from both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver Pro for $3.10.
The Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch provides a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed. The Neo White switch is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes, while the V3 Silver Pro switch is ideal for those who prefer a crisper sound experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Neo White switch provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch offers a variety of descriptors for its typing feel, including being easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky. These qualities contribute to a smooth and low-impact typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing overall typing comfort, particularly during extended gaming sessions or work tasks.
Overall, the Haimu Neo White linear switch stands out for its smooth actuation and medium weight, providing a distinctive typing feel with a neutral sound profile. In comparison, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is tailored for gamers seeking effortless keystrokes, a light actuation force, and a satisfyingly bassy sound. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, ensuring that users can achieve a satisfying typing experience based on their individual needs and preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a specific sound profile or typing feel in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a medium weight and smooth actuation for a satisfying typing experience, the Haimu Neo White linear switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for a switch with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance to gain a competitive edge, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios to determine which switch aligns best with your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and requirements, providing a tailored typing experience for each user. Choose wisely based on your specific requirements and enjoy a seamless typing experience with either of these quality switches.
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