Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct yet appealing experiences for enthusiasts seeking the perfect balance of sound and feel. The V3 Piano Pro is celebrated for its snappy auditory signature and smooth actuation, delivering a lively and crisp sensation with each keystroke. This switch can be described as bouncy, clacky, creamy, polished, resonant, and silky, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience that engages the senses. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a medium-weight all-POM construction that guarantees a top-notch quality experience at an affordable price point. Its standout feature is a thocky sound profile combined with exceptional smoothness, appealing to users looking for a tactile yet quiet experience. While both switches are linear and provide a satisfying typing experience, their distinctive sound profiles and actuation characteristics cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a significant distinction arises from their construction. The V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer properties. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features POM for its top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for producing a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards a deeper yet relatively muted acoustic experience. While both materials contribute to a satisfying typing experience, the use of nylon in the V3 Piano Pro subtly enhances sound absorption, whereas POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a more defined sound characteristic.
Although the materials differ, both the V3 Piano Pro and the Sea Salt Smoothie share a commonality in their sound profiles being oriented towards the deeper spectrum. The nylon in the V3 Piano Pro creates a rounded sound that is rich and enveloping, while the POM of the Sea Salt Smoothie results in a sound that is likewise deep but has a clearer identity. As a result, users of either switch can expect a relatively muted acoustic feel, advantageous for those who desire a more contained auditory experience. Furthermore, the differences in material do not overshadow the overall acoustic performance; rather, they partition the sound characteristics across typing interactions.
In terms of how this affects the typing experience, both switches exhibit unique behavior based on their housing materials. In the V3 Piano Pro, the nylon bottom housing is likely to be more pronounced in the bottom-out sound, contributing to that fuller sound signature upon pressing the key. Alternatively, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing provides a smooth action while maintaining the deeper acoustic qualities. This division continues with the top housings, where the V3's nylon produces a rounded release sound, while the Sea Salt’s POM lends a distinctive clarity. Ultimately, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilize different materials for their housings, they both yield a satisfying, deep auditory output when typing, albeit with unique characteristics that cater to slightly different tactile preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option that provides a comfortable typing experience for extended use, such as at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. This heavier actuation may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers. Therefore, while both switches offer a relatively similar experience in terms of actuation, the V3 Piano Pro is lighter overall due to its lower actuation force and a specified bottom out force. Opting for the Akko switch would benefit those looking for ease during lengthy use, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may cater to individuals who prefer slightly more resistance when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that the V3 Piano Pro has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie extends slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This means that if you prioritize a quick response time, the shorter distance of the V3 Piano Pro might be more appealing, as it allows for a more rapid actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a deeper feel, which could be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with each keystroke. Thus, for those who favor responsiveness, the Akko V3 Piano Pro would be the optimal choice, while those who appreciate more depth might lean towards the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 delivers a clacky and resonant auditory experience, producing a sharp, crisp sound with each keystroke. This lively profile enhances the typing experience by providing a percussive punch that is both immersive and enjoyable. On the contrary, while the specifics of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie’s sound profile aren’t detailed, its “thocky” sound is generally associated with a deeper, more muted resonance compared to the higher-pitched tones of the V3 Piano Pro. While the Sea Salt Smoothie's auditory characteristics seem to lean more toward a subdued thock, the precise sound will still depend on the keyboard build, such as the choice of case and keycaps.
When considering the feel, the V3 Piano Pro is celebrated for its bouncy and silky action, providing a delightful elastic feedback with a smooth, buttery typing experience. The versatility of its sensations—ranging from the lively bounce to the polished, refined finish—ensures that typists enjoy a satisfying tactile experience as they glide across the keys. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie lacks detailed descriptions of its tactile feedback, but it is designed to offer a smooth typing experience, suggesting it may also provide a satisfying feel similar to what the V3 Piano Pro delivers.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches have their unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The V3 Piano Pro stands out with its lively sound and a rich array of tactile sensations, while the Sea Salt Smoothie likely offers a more subdued auditory experience with a smooth actuation, though specifics are not provided. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch could be a great addition to a mechanical keyboard setup, offering enjoyable tactile feedback and auditory characteristics that enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and desired auditory experience. If you enjoy a lively typing experience complemented by a crisp and clacky sound profile, the V3 Piano Pro is your go-to option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, combined with a bouncy, silky feel, makes it ideal for fast typists who appreciate both feedback and sound. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more muted, thocky sound and prefer smoothness without sacrificing quality, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a refined experience with a medium-weight feel, albeit its bottom-out force isn't specifically defined. These switches are perfect for those who aim for a quieter typing experience without compromise. Ultimately, think about your typing style, whether you prefer to feel each keystroke with charm or glide through each keypress with seamless smoothness, and you'll find the switch that suits your needs best.
Mentioned in this article
