Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, a linear switch. The Blueberry switches are praised for their sharp tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing feel while producing a lower-than-average sound frequency. In contrast, the Piano Pro switches are known for their snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke, while also maintaining a smooth actuation for an enjoyable typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, but deciding between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
3.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it is clear that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Blueberry features a POM top and bottom housing, known for creating a unique and pleasing sound profile on the deeper and more muted side. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound.
While the NovelKeys Blueberry and Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, they differ in the specific characteristics each material brings to the switch. The POM housing of the Blueberry offers a distinctively muted and deep sound profile, while the nylon housing of the V3 Piano Pro provides a fuller and deeper sound experience. This contrast in sound quality can greatly impact the typing experience and overall satisfaction of the user depending on their preference for sound and feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Akko V3 Piano Pro will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience. While both switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials, the Blueberry's POM housing may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing may be more appealing to those seeking a fuller and rounder sound. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the NovelKeys Blueberry is heavier in both aspects. The NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. Those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the NovelKeys Blueberry, while those looking for a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Akko V3 Piano Pro. Both switches offer unique qualities based on the actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Blueberry has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.5 mm travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro. This means that the Blueberry switch provides a slightly deeper key press experience than the Piano Pro switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Piano Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Blueberry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offers a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, giving off a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a clean and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound, known for its sharp and snappy characteristics, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can cater to different preferences, with the Blueberry presenting a deeper tone and the Piano Pro delivering a brighter and percussive sound.
When it comes to feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff. These qualities indicate a switch that offers responsive feedback, smooth keystrokes, noticeable friction, a lively typing experience, and higher actuation force. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is characterized as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a spring-like feedback sensation, buttery typing experience, smooth key travel, and exceptionally smooth typing feel. These differences in feel showcase the diverse typing experiences that users can expect from each switch, with the Blueberry offering a more tactile and firm sensation, and the Piano Pro providing a smoother and bouncier feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Blueberry switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and lower-than-average sound frequency, providing a deep and resonant typing experience, while the Piano Pro switch features a long pole design for a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, ensuring a lively and crisp typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, with both switches offering unique characteristics that can enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a lower-pitched sound with a heavier bottom out force, the NovelKeys Blueberry is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy sound, smooth actuation, and a lighter bottom out force, the Akko V3 Piano Pro would be a better choice. Consider how you value feel, sound, and actuation force when making your decision. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
