Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and Everglide Sakura Pink are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The V3 Piano Pro stands out with its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a pleasing tactile experience. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switches are known for their super light 35g actuation force, perfect for delicate typists, and a gliding type feel that makes typing effortless. While the V3 Piano Pro offers a bouncy and clacky typing experience, the Sakura Pink switches provide a buttery and easy-to-press feel. 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
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Everglide Sakura Pink both play a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. The V3 Piano Pro uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of the plastic which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Sakura Pink features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their own unique characteristics, they each contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience in different ways.
Aesthetically, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing provides a classic and timeless look to the keyboard, while the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate housing adds a modern and vibrant touch with its translucent design, especially if RGB lighting is utilized. In terms of sound, users can expect a more muted and rounder sound with the V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing, compared to the clearer and more resonant sound produced by the Sakura Pink's polycarbonate housing. Despite their differences, both housing materials ultimately aim to improve the typing experience by offering distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing material is not limited to just the sound profile, but also extends to the overall feel and feedback of the switches. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when the key is released. Therefore, whether it be nylon or polycarbonate, each housing material contributes in its own way to the overall performance of the switches, providing users with a customized typing experience based on their sound and tactile preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Sakura Pink is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Piano Pro requires 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it medium-light in comparison to the Sakura Pink, which only needs 35 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out. This difference in weight can result in a different typing experience for users. Some may prefer the lighter touch of the Sakura Pink for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may lean towards the slightly heavier feel of the V3 Piano Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sakura Pink switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Piano Pro switch. For those who prefer a more traditional travel distance, the Sakura Pink switch may be the better option. However, for gamers who prioritize faster response times, the V3 Piano Pro switch with its shorter travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
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 Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience that is both crisp and bright. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offers a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the V3 Piano Pro. The Sakura Pink's sound can be described as playful and poppy, akin to the sound of bubble wrap being popped. Whether you prefer the lively and percussive sound of the V3 Piano Pro or the more subtle and gentle sound of the Sakura Pink, both switches offer distinct auditory qualities that can enhance your typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is characterized by its bouncy, creamy, and silky typing experience. The keys have a lively feel with a spring-like feedback, providing a smooth and buttery sensation reminiscent of gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Additionally, the polished finish of the V3 Piano Pro switch results in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, emphasizing a smooth and fluid keystroke that is effortless and uniform. With an easy-to-press actuation force and frictionless operation, the Sakura Pink switch ensures a comfortable and low-impact typing feel that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different typing preferences. While the V3 Piano Pro provides a lively and snappy sound with a bouncy and polished feel, the Sakura Pink offers a more muted and gentle sound with a buttery and frictionless typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a sharp and resonant typing experience or a soft and easy-to-press feel, both switches deliver distinctive qualities that can enhance your overall typing performance. Ultimately, choosing between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch or the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a snappy sound signature with a smooth tactile experience, the V3 Piano Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a frictionless, effortless typing experience with a delightful poppy sound, the Sakura Pink switch may be more suited to your liking. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so take into account the sound and feel descriptions provided to make an informed decision on which switch aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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