Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two compelling options are the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Huano Sakura, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The V3 Piano Pro is celebrated for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, which together create a lively, resonant typing experience that many enthusiasts find engaging. This switch strikes a delightful balance between a polished feel and a clacky auditory feedback, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the Huano Sakura stands out for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, providing an ergonomic advantage during lengthy typing sessions. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize comfort and endurance over auditory sensations. While both switches cater to different preferences—one leaning towards an expressive soundscape and the other focusing on a seamless, fatigue-free typing experience—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
35g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Huano Sakura switches exhibit distinct characteristics that influence their performance and sound profiles. The V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material that is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer texture. This softness helps to absorb sound rather than reflect it, leading to a muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Sakura features a POK material for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing. The POK material stands out with its exceptional durability and smoothness, making the overall tactile experience quite different from that of the nylon-only configuration found in the V3 Piano Pro.
While both switches benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housings, the top housing materials set the V3 Piano Pro and the Huano Sakura apart significantly. The nylon of the V3 Piano Pro provides a consistent sound and feel throughout the typing process, capitalizing on its ability to absorb sound. In comparison, the POK top housing of the Sakura not only ensures a smoother operation due to its lower friction but also introduces a clackier sound profile during key releases. This divergence means that, while both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro will generally produce a softer and more muffled sound, while the Huano Sakura will likely offer a sharper and more pronounced audio feedback.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the V3 Piano Pro and the Sakura can yield similar results in terms of the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deep and full sound profile, ensuring that some consistent characteristics are retained. Thus, while users may experience variances in sound and actuation due to the differing upper housings, the familiarity of the nylon bottom in both switches allows for a comparable feel when bottoming out, helping users to find a balance between the distinct auditory experiences offered by Nylon and POK materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, one can observe distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Piano Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sakura switch offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that the V3 Piano Pro requires a stronger push feel, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura is more forgiving with its lower forces, making it suitable for longer typing sessions and gaming marathons without inducing fatigue. Consequently, the V3 Piano Pro is the heavier option, while the Huano Sakura stands out as the lighter choice. If users seek a balance between effort and comfort during extended use, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces offered by these two switches will guide their selection.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch differ slightly in their travel distances, with the V3 Piano Pro measuring 3.5 mm and the Sakura at 3.6 mm. This makes the V3 Piano Pro the shorter option, offering a slightly reduced depth compared to the Sakura. In the context of switching preferences, gamers might lean towards the Akko V3 for its quicker actuation, while those who appreciate a bit more heft in their keystrokes may prefer the Sakura due to its longer travel distance. Both switches reflect a trend towards shorter travel distances, but the V3 provides a touch more responsiveness, whereas the Sakura offers a more traditional and deeper 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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 sound profile of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is characterized by a lively and crisp auditory signature, producing a clacky and resonant sound that can be quite engaging during typing sessions. Each keystroke is marked by a bright, percussive quality that resonates well, making the experience more dynamic. In contrast, while the Huano Sakura linear switch offers a more muted, medium-level sound, it does not provide a detailed description of its auditory characteristics. Therefore, you may find that the sound of the Sakura is less pronounced and might not deliver the same level of auditory excitement as the V3 Piano Pro, which is clearly more alerting and permeates a lively vibe.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Piano Pro switches shine with descriptors such as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. This variety indicates a highly enjoyable typing experience, with feedback that is spring-like and fluid, allowing for smooth transitions between keystrokes. Users can expect a sensation akin to gliding their fingers across the keyboard, attributing to both the materials used and potentially factory lubrication. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch lacks any descriptive qualities regarding its tactile feedback. This leaves its feel more ambiguous compared to the well-rounded tactile experience offered by the Piano Pro, making it difficult to ascertain how it might compare in terms of user satisfaction.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides an engagingly snappy sound and a remarkable range of tactile sensations, the Huano Sakura linear switch lacks detailed qualities in both sound and feel. If auditory excitement and a smooth typing experience are your priorities, the V3 Piano Pro would be the superior choice. However, if you're inclined towards subdued acoustics and potentially a different tactile character, further exploration of the Sakura may be warranted, though its qualities are less clearly defined.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a lively auditory experience and enjoy a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the V3 Piano Pro is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound signature and bouncy, silky feel enhance the tactile enjoyment, making it an ideal switch for both gaming and vigorous typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch for extended periods of typing, the Sakura's 45-gram bottom out force offers an effortless keystroke with a more subdued acoustic profile, making it perfect for long typing marathons or quiet environments. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize the engaging sound and feedback of the V3 Piano Pro or the smooth, feather-light experience of the Sakura.
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