Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro, celebrated for its lively and crisp sound signature, imparts a bouncy and clacky feel that enhances the sensory feedback during typing, making it an attractive choice for those who enjoy an auditory component in their keystrokes. Its smooth actuation further provides a polished typing experience, appealing to users who crave a dynamic and engaging interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g prioritizes a quiet environment, engineered to deliver a nearly soundless typing experience that mirrors the gentle patter of rain. With an ultra-light bottom out force of just 43g, these switches cater to light typists seeking an unobtrusive and serene atmosphere, perfect for shared spaces or late-night writing sessions. Each switch has its unique advantages: the Piano Pro for its lively feedback and acoustic charm, and the Silent Sakura for its peaceful operation. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g share a commonality in their top housing, as both utilize nylon. Nylon is renowned for its soft texture and sound-absorbing properties, resulting in a typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared use of nylon in the top housing ensures that both switches produce similar auditory characteristics when typing. The inherent qualities of nylon allow these switches to generate a subdued and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience through its smooth actuation.
However, the bottom housing differentiation becomes a pivotal point of contrast between the two switches. The V3 Piano Pro employs nylon for its bottom housing, mirroring its top component and further accentuating the warm sound profile. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g opts for polycarbonate in its bottom housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer material, generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This variance in bottom housing material significantly affects how each switch delivers feedback during typing; thus, the V3 Piano Pro offers a consistent sound experience, while the Silent Sakura's combination leads to a more pronounced and resonant auditory feedback, especially at the bottom-out stage.
Ultimately, the disparate materials in the bottom housing lead to different overall sonic experiences when typing on the switches. The V3 Piano Pro combines the sound-softening properties of nylon throughout both the top and bottom housing, reinforcing its signature sound profile with a cohesive auditory sensation. In contrast, the Silent Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom housing introduces a unique sharpness that complements the warmth of its nylon top, resulting in a more dynamic sound profile that can be categorized as both full-bodied and crisp. Together, these differences highlight how the distinct materials impact the sound and feel, making each switch appealing to different preferences despite sharing one component material.
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch present different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, influencing the typing experience significantly. The V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This distinction makes the Silent Sakura switch the lighter option, appealing to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended use, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro offers a stronger push feel, which can be appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. The difference in forces suggests that users seeking lighter options should opt for the Silent Sakura, while those looking for a heavier feel would be more satisfied with the V3 Piano Pro.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch reveals an interesting distinction in their design. The V3 Piano Pro has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 43g features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the V3 Piano Pro provides a slightly shorter throw, making it potentially more responsive for quick key presses, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g offers a more traditional key feel with its 4 mm travel, catering to those who prefer a deeper, more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference; those valuing speed may lean toward the V3 Piano Pro, while users desiring a more pronounced press may find the Silent Sakura - 43g more appealing.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
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 switches is characterized by a lively, clacky quality that produces a crisp and bright auditory experience with each keystroke. This snappy sound signature is complemented by its resonant nature, offering a sharp and clean sound that creates an immersive typing environment. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches are designed for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. They deliver a whisper-quiet performance, evoking the gentle sound of raindrops tapping against a window. While the V3 Piano Pro invites energetic and expressive typing with its distinct sound, the Silent Sakura caters to users seeking tranquility, making them suitable for quieter environments.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Piano Pro excels with a bouncy and lively feedback, giving typists a delightful rebound that enhances the overall experience. The switches are also noted for their creamy and silky sensations, thanks to a refined smoothness that minimizes resistance during key presses. This polished feel adds to the enjoyment of typing, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g’s tactile qualities are not specified, which leaves some ambiguity regarding their overall typing experience. However, the lightweight 43g bottom-out force suggests that these switches could provide a more delicate feel, appealing to typists who prefer less resistance.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer a lively sound and an engaging tactile experience, perfect for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing atmosphere. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g stands out for its quiet operation, catering to individuals who seek serenity while typing. While the V3 provides a robust auditory and tactile feedback system, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a whisper-quiet experience that may come with a smooth feel—though specific tactile qualities remain unknown. Ultimately, both switches serve distinct preferences, allowing users to select what best aligns with their typing habits and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a more engaging typing experience with a lively sound profile and a snappy feel, the V3 Piano Pro is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams will offer you a responsive typing experience, perfect for tasks that require both tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. However, if you’re looking for a switch that provides a quiet, unobtrusive typing experience, especially in shared workspaces or during focused sessions, the Silent Sakura - 43g is the way to go with its light 43-gram actuation force. This switch minimizes noise while delivering a smooth, effortless typing feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a serene atmosphere. In essence, if you're drawn to the sounds of your keystrokes and a more vibrant typing rhythm, go for the Piano Pro; but if silence and ease are your top priorities, the Silent Sakura will serve you well.
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