Everglide Oreo vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Oreo and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Everglide Oreo and the Akko V3 Piano Pro presents an intriguing comparison. The Everglide Oreo stands out for its tactile nature, offering a delectable treat for your fingertips with a crisp tactile bump at the top and a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. This switch strikes a perfect balance between satisfying keystrokes and comfortable typing, accompanied by a subtle, mellow sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch boasts a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. This switch maintains its smoothness while delivering a pleasing tactile experience. Each switch offers its unique characteristics, from the Oreo's medium light tactility to the Piano Pro's vibrant sound quality. 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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Oreo and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both feature top housings made of different materials, with the Oreo using polycarbonate and the Piano Pro using nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Oreo creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Piano Pro elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate produces a sharper sound compared to the rounder sound of the nylon.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Everglide Oreo and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature materials that impact the overall sound profile differently. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Oreo contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound upon bottoming out, complementing the qualities of the top housing for a cohesive sound experience. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing of the Piano Pro enhances the deeper and fuller sound characteristic of the switch, creating a more muted and rounded bottom-out sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials further demonstrates the unique sound profiles that can be achieved through different housing compositions.
While the Everglide Oreo and the Akko V3 Piano Pro each utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall sound experience of the switches can still be similar. The polycarbonate top housing of the Oreo and the nylon top housing of the Piano Pro offer distinct sound profiles that complement their respective bottom housing materials. Despite the differences in material composition, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with varying levels of sharpness and fullness in sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for sound characteristics and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Oreo tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch are both identical, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light switches. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the force needed to press the keys and the feeling of bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter touch, both switches are well-suited for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may find that both switches offer a comfortable amount of resistance. Overall, whether it be the Everglide Oreo or the Akko V3 Piano Pro, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Oreo offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper key press feel compared to the V3 Piano Pro. Gamers may opt for the V3 Piano Pro for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Oreo. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their respective travel distances, catering to different preferences for keyboard users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch provides a subtle, mellow sound profile that won't disturb those around you during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch boasts a snappy and resonant sound signature, adding a lively and satisfying auditory dimension to each keystroke. The Piano Pro's crisp and bright sound may be more noticeable in a quiet environment, offering a more pronounced typing experience in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers an accented and stepped tactile experience, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still prominent. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch presents a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness in each keystroke. The Piano Pro's keys give a spring-like rebound effect, while also feeling refined and sleek due to the polished finish.
Overall, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium light tactility and comfortable cushioning, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is the way to go. If you enjoy a more pronounced and lively sound with a smooth, buttery typing sensation and an elastic feedback bounce, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is the perfect fit for you. Both switches excel in different aspects, so choosing between them will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a satisfying tactile typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Everglide Oreo switches are a delectable choice. The crisp tactile bump at the top followed by a cushioned bottom-out sensation provides a comfortable and balanced typing feel. The subtle and mellow sound profile adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a similar medium-light actuation force but with a snappy sound signature, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are the way to go. The lively and crisp sound paired with a smooth actuation ensures an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, your preference between the Oreo tactile switches and the Piano Pro linear switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
