Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both linear switches with unique qualities. The V3 Piano Pro is recognized for its Piano Pro switches, which offer a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, creating a lively and crisp keystroke experience. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switches are known for their shorter activation and great typing feel, accompanied by a creamy sound signature. While the V3 Piano Pro is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Splash Brothers switches are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own appeal and advantages depending on personal preferences and typing style, 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Jwick Splash Brothers, it is evident that they both utilize nylon as the bottom housing material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches made with nylon bottom housing. Despite both keyboards using nylon for the bottom housing, the overall sound and feel may still differ based on other factors such as keycaps and switch type.
On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, while the Splash Brothers opts for a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Splash Brothers creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic compared to nylon. This difference in material results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on the Splash Brothers keyboard. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aspect to the keyboard.
While the V3 Piano Pro and the Splash Brothers keyboards may have different top housing materials, both keyboards aim to provide a unique typing experience. The nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Splash Brothers produces a sharper and crisper sound. These distinctions in housing materials ultimately affect the overall sound and feel of the keyboards, providing users with varying options based on their preferences for sound and aesthetics. Whether choosing the V3 Piano Pro with its nylon top housing or the Splash Brothers with its polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a tactile and responsive typing experience tailored to their individual preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Splash Brothers is lighter at 48 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams. The V3 Piano Pro offers a medium-light feel, while the Splash Brothers provides a lighter typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Splash Brothers may be more suitable, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing these two switches, it is clear that they offer the same tactile experience in terms of travel distance. Pressing down on keys with either switch will result in a similar sensation due to their identical travel distances. This means that users can expect consistent keypress feedback whether they are using the Akko V3 Piano Pro or the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch. In conclusion, both switches offer the same travel distance, providing a comparable typing experience for users.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 offers a clacky and resonant typing experience, characterized by sharp and snappy sounds with a higher-pitched profile for an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for various users and environments. Both switches may offer different sound profiles based on the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a spring-like feedback, smooth and buttery typing sensation, refined finish, and exceptionally smooth typing experience respectively. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished typing experience, characterized by gentle resistance, super responsiveness, elastic feedback, gentle feel, and sleek finish. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, catering to different preferences.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct sound and feel characteristics. The Akko V3 Piano Pro switch emphasizes a snappy sound signature and a bouncy, creamy typing feel, while the Jwick Splash Brothers switch focuses on a neutral sound profile and a mild, snappy typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience tailored to individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a livelier sound and feel with the Akko V3 Piano Pro or a more neutral and responsive experience with the Jwick Splash Brothers.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch or the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preference in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and enjoy a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky feel, then the V3 Piano Pro may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a neutral sound with a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, or polished feel, then the Jwick Splash Brothers might be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what sounds and feels best for your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, so consider trying out both switches to see which one resonates with you the most.
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