Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique advantages suited for different preferences and uses. The V3 Piano Pro, with its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, provides a lively and crisp typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and auditory satisfaction while typing. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, offering effortless keystrokes, pleasing bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance for quick responsiveness during gaming sessions. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and specific needs; 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The nylon housing of the V3 Piano Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and producing a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Silver Pro delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer plastic composition, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound.
While both the V3 Piano Pro and the V3 Silver Pro share a nylon bottom housing, the top housings of these two switches differ significantly, impacting the sound and feel of each keystroke. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Silver Pro creates a more distinct and pronounced sound, emphasizing clarity and resonance. This contrast showcases how different housing materials can influence the overall typing experience and sound output of a keyboard switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing material in keyboard switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback of each keystroke. The Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Despite both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, the differences in their top housings result in unique typing experiences for users. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a more clear and resonant sound, the housing materials of these switches cater to different preferences, showcasing the importance of material selection in keyboard design.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch with the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Piano Pro is the heavier option while the Silver Pro is the lighter one. The actuation force of the Piano Pro is 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the 40 grams actuation force of the Silver Pro. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Piano Pro is 55 grams, compared to the 45 grams of the Silver Pro. The Piano Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-light actuation and bottom out forces, while the Silver Pro provides a lighter typing feel. Both switches provide different typing experiences, catering to those who prefer a heavier or lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing comfort and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Silver Pro. A shorter travel distance can be preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying keystroke with a deeper feel. Both options still fall within the range of travel distances that are commonly used, so you can expect similar results in terms of general key feel, responsiveness, and typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key 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 Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 the sound profile of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, users can expect a clacky and resonant experience, characterized by sharp, crisp sounds that provide a lively and percussive quality to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp tone that can be appealing to those who prefer a brighter sound. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing or gaming experience, with the choice between the two ultimately coming down to personal preference and the desired sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a combination of spring-like feedback, smooth buttery typing experience, refined finish, and exceptionally smooth key travel. These qualities contribute to a tactile sensation that is both lively and comfortable. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is described as easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, providing gentle resistance, smooth typing feel, light actuation force, sleek finish, and smooth key travel. These characteristics cater to gamers and users looking for a responsive and low-impact typing experience. While both switches offer a range of tactile sensations, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming comfort.
Overall, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and use cases. The Piano Pro switch provides a snappy sound signature and smooth tactile experience, ideal for users who enjoy a lively and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the Silver Pro switch is tailored for gamers with its light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and bassy sound profile that offer a responsive and comfortable gaming experience. Ultimately, users can expect quality performance from both switches, with similar results in terms of sound and feel depending on specific preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a snappy, clacky sound with a smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a switch designed for gaming with an easy-to-press feel and a high-pitched sound, the V3 Silver Pro could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard.
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