Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct qualities each type brings to the typing experience. The Akko V3 Piano Pro, a linear switch, is celebrated for its lively sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a bouncy and clacky feel that provides a tactile thrill with each keystroke. This makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy a more engaging and auditory typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch, characterized by its hall effect design, delivers a harmonious blend of smoothness and deep sound, resulting in a satisfying and precise typing experience. Its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds to its allure for tech enthusiasts seeking both performance and versatility. While both switches have unique features that cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or a balanced and adaptable typing feel—they each hold their own distinct advantages. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding differ significantly in their top housing materials, resulting in distinct auditory experiences when typing. The V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, creating a muted, rounder auditory sensation. In contrast, the Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing that provides a sharper, crisper sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate leads to a more resonant and clear acoustic quality, making it well-suited for users who prefer a bright, defined typing sound. As a result, while both switches are functional and capable of providing tactile feedback, their sound profiles cater to different preferences, with the V3 appealing to those seeking warmth and the Rice Pudding attracting users favoring clarity.
While the top housings differ, both the V3 Piano Pro and the Rice Pudding share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This commonality means that both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience during the bottoming-out phase, where the switch engages and produces a sound. The nylon bottom housing contributes a fuller, softer sound due to its sound-absorbing qualities, leading to a uniform experience when keys are pressed down. Thus, despite the contrasting top materials, the nylon bottom housing serves to unify the sound profile during key presses, giving users the depth of tone they may expect from traditional switch designs.
When evaluating the overall sound and typing experience, the differences in the top housing come into play when releasing the keys. With the Rice Pudding's polycarbonate top, users can expect a more pronounced sound upon release, emphasizing the key’s clarity. Conversely, the V3 Piano Pro will deliver a rounder, softer sound when the key is let go. Therefore, even though both switches utilize nylon for their bottoms, the combination of a nylon bottom with a nylon top in the V3 results in a cohesive auditory experience characterized by warmth. In contrast, the Rice Pudding's blending of a nylon base with a polycarbonate top creates an interesting sonic dynamic that balances clarity and depth, ultimately allowing users to select a switch that resonates with their personal typing style preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we can see clear differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light in terms of tactile effort. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This distinction suggests that the Rice Pudding switch would be a better choice for those who prioritize prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as the lighter force may mitigate fatigue. Conversely, users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might prefer the heavier V3 Piano Pro, which provides firmer tactile feedback. Overall, while both switches offer varied actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences, the V3 is certainly heftier compared to the lighter Rice Pudding switch.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This consistency in travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing the keys on devices utilizing either switch. Consequently, both switches will deliver comparable results in terms of key actuation depth, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a consistent feel across their keyboard.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 well-regarded for its snappy and vibrant auditory profile. Its characteristics can be described as clacky and resonant, meaning you can expect crisp, bright, and percussive sounds with each keystroke, providing a lively typing environment that many users appreciate. The high-pitched nature of the sound adds a satisfying feedback loop while typing. In contrast, while the Everglide Rice Pudding switches promise a deep sound that balances smooth operation with auditory satisfaction, specific descriptors of their sound qualities haven't been provided. However, it's worth noting that sound experience can vary based on the keyboard and keycap choices used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Piano Pro switches shine with a delightful tactile experience characterized by descriptors such as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. This means that users will enjoy a lively, spring-like feedback, creating a sense of rebound with each key press, alongside a smooth and buttery touch that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This refined feel can be attributed to the combination of materials and factory lubing that contributes to this overall sensation. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are currently unknown, so comparisons can’t be drawn in that aspect at this time.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers an engaging sound profile combined with a very refined and smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, while the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is praised for its balance of smoothness and sound, more specific information on its auditory and tactile qualities is lacking, making a straightforward comparison difficult. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will likely come down to personal preferences regarding sound and feel, with the V3 Piano Pro providing a well-rounded experience for those who enjoy lively, crisp engagement.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, your preferences and typing style should guide your choice. If you enjoy a lively and crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke, or if you prefer a bouncy and smooth feel that makes your typing experience engaging and dynamic, then the V3 Piano Pro is likely the better fit for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams combined with its clacky and resonant sound signature can elevate your typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate an expressive sound profile. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter typing experience with a lighter touch, the Rice Pudding switches may be the way to go. At just 48 grams of actuation force, they provide a perfectly balanced, smooth operation that is satisfying yet precise, making them suitable for longer typing sessions or for tasks requiring focus and efficiency. Moreover, their compatibility with Wooting keyboards adds versatility for gaming enthusiasts and those looking for performance-driven options. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you value an engaging sound and tactile feedback or a smooth, quiet operation tailored for precision.
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