Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray mechanical keyboard switches, you have two compelling options to consider. The V3 Piano Pro linear switch is renowned for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray linear switch offers a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. While the V3 Piano Pro is characterized by its bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky qualities, the Polaris Gray is noted for its low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished characteristics. Both switches have unique features that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and sound absorbent nature. In contrast, the Polaris Gray incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. The differences in sound characteristics between the two materials are quite distinct, with the nylon offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate's clear and resonant tones.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the V3 Piano Pro and the Polaris Gray maintain a similar approach as their respective top housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Piano Pro continues to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound quality. The distinctions in sound profiles remain consistent between the top and bottom housing materials of both keyboards, showcasing how each material uniquely impacts the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray offer contrasting sound profiles, they ultimately deliver a similar level of quality and performance in terms of switch housing. Both materials have their own unique qualities that affect the typing experience, with nylon providing a softer and fuller sound and polycarbonate offering a crisper and clearer tone. Whether you prefer a deeper and rounder sound or a sharper and resonant profile, both keyboards provide a solid foundation for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch, which has an unknown actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Piano Pro requires 55 grams of force, making it slightly lighter than the Polaris Gray switch which has a bottom out force of 67 grams. The lighter actuation force of the V3 Piano Pro may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Gray switch can provide a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray provides a slightly longer travel distance, which can offer a more tactile and deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its snappy and resonant sound signature, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. The sound produced by these switches is described as clacky and resonant, adding a sharp and clean auditory quality to each keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a clean and clacky sound profile, with a low-pitched and thocky characteristic. Both switches bring their own unique sound qualities to the table, appealing to different preferences in typing sounds.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, and silky, offering a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth and buttery typing experience. The keys feel lively and polished, providing a refined and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is noted for its mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, they differ in their tactile feedback and overall feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Piano Pro excels in providing a snappy and resonant sound profile, along with a bouncy and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch delivers a clean and clacky sound with a low-pitched thocky feature, coupled with a mild and polished feel for comfortable typing. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit with their own unique characteristics. Whether you choose the Akko V3 Piano Pro or the SP-Star Polaris Gray, you can expect a quality typing experience tailored to your specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which switch to choose between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a snappy sound signature with smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your choice should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing style.
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