Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro and Sarokeys Purple Sakura stand out as distinctive choices. The V3 Piano Pro features linear Piano Pro switches known for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Sakura offers tactile switches with a buttery downstroke and a balanced tactility that is pronounced yet not overpowering. While the V3 Piano Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Purple Sakura is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences, but ultimately, it's essential to delve deeper into the specifics to determine the ideal switch for your typing needs. Let's explore further to help you make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura differ significantly. The V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the V3 Piano Pro's nylon bottom housing complements its top housing by enhancing the overall sound profile, the Purple Sakura's nylon bottom housing provides similar characteristics, creating a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the two keyboards, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, while the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both keyboards feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two keyboards will depend on individual preferences for sound quality and typing feel.
In terms of construction, the top and bottom housings play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of a keyboard switch. While the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing influences the sound and feel of the key when pressed down. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, both keyboards offer a balance between the top and bottom housing qualities, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the softer, deeper sound of nylon housing or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate housing, both keyboards provide unique characteristics that cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is evident that the Akko V3 Piano Pro is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. The V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing feel. Both switches fall within the medium-weight category, offering a good balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5mm compared to the 3.2mm of the Purple Sakura. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. The V3 Piano Pro offers a slightly more in-depth key press experience, while the Purple Sakura provides a slightly shorter and potentially more abrupt feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for either a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is best described as clacky and resonant, providing a sharp, snappy sound with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. The V3 Piano Pro switch will give you a livelier, crisper sound experience, while the Purple Sakura switch provides a mild and neutral sound signature that is approachable to most users.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, with a spring-like feedback, smooth and buttery keystrokes, refined finish, and exceptionally smooth typing sensation. In comparison, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch is described as buttery, mild, and snappy - providing a smooth, gentle typing experience with a responsive and lively feel. Both switches offer a pleasant tactile experience, but the V3 Piano Pro switch leans towards a more refined and buttery feel, while the Purple Sakura switch provides a gentler and more responsive typing sensation.
Overall, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Piano Pro switch provides a snappier sound and a smoother, more polished typing experience, while the Purple Sakura switch offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery, responsive feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing sensation, both switches are excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prefer a livelier, crisper sound with a smoother feel, or a more gentle and responsive typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and silky typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound with a buttery and mild typing sensation, the Purple Sakura could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that appeal to you the most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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