Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two notable linear switches, the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte, offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro, with its long pole design, is celebrated for its snappy sound signature which adds a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke, complemented by a remarkable smoothness in actuation. This makes it an enticing option for typists seeking both auditory enjoyment and tactile pleasure. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte emphasizes an ultra-smooth experience, utilizing the latest molds to achieve a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor excessively resonant—ideal for users who prefer a more subdued yet satisfying feedback. Each switch has its unique appeal: the Piano Pro for those desiring a more pronounced acoustic experience, and the Strawberry Latte for those who favor a refined, smooth 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
40g
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
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte both feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings, ensuring a shared auditory experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound when typing. This quality creates a satisfying acoustic feedback that many typists appreciate, offering a muted yet rich auditory experience. Despite the differences in their top housings—nylon for the V3 Piano Pro and POK for the Strawberry Latte—the bottom housings provide a common foundation in terms of sound signature, making the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound relatively consistent across both switches.
Contrastingly, the top housings of these switches serve to differentiate their overall auditory experience. The V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing maintains the deeper, muffled sound profile that aligns with its bottom housing, accentuating the characteristics typical of nylon. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte’s POK top housing introduces a different acoustic signature. POK, with its higher coefficient of friction and enhanced durability, promotes a smoother and more clacky experience. This means that while both switches share the same bottom housing and sound-absorbing properties, the Strawberry Latte benefits from its POK top to deliver a brighter, more resonant sound when the key is released.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches results in unique responses during use, with the bottom nylon housing providing a baseline of acoustic depth and richness. However, users can expect a differentiated experience based on the top housing's material properties. While the V3 Piano Pro emphasizes the softer and more muffled sound of nylon from both ends, the Strawberry Latte leverages the strength and smoothness of POK to present a contrasting acoustic profile with heightened resonance. In practical terms, when it comes to typing feel and sound, the V3 Piano Pro offers a consistently deeper experience, while the Strawberry Latte strikes a balance between durability and less dampened sound, making both appealing to different preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Huano Strawberry Latte is not only lighter in terms of actuation but also has a lower bottom out force, making it easier to press for extended periods. For users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the V3 Piano Pro may be preferable. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that allows for quick keystrokes with less fatigue, the Strawberry Latte is the better choice due to its lighter force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the V3 Piano Pro features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Strawberry Latte switch offers a slightly deeper press, which may appeal to users who favor a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro may be more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feel. Consequently, if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a heftier feel may opt for the Huano Strawberry Latte. Overall, the differences in travel distance highlight individual preferences between responsiveness and depth in 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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 distinct auditory character, presenting a snappy, clacky quality that catches the ear with each keystroke. The bright and resonant sound profile contributes to an immersive typing experience, making each press feel lively and crisp. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch features a more balanced sound profile, striking a middle ground that is neither too quiet nor excessively resonant. This makes it a versatile option that won't overpower the typing experience while still providing satisfactory audio feedback. While the Piano Pro's clacky nature stands out, the Strawberry Latte’s smooth and consistent sound maintains an enjoyable auditory atmosphere, highlighting how switch sound can heavily rely on the accompanying board and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro boasts an engaging tactile experience characterized by a bouncy and creamy sensation when typing. These switches provide an elastic feedback that gives the impression of a playful rebound, alongside a silky feel that glides effortlessly under the fingers. The polished finish enhances the overall smoothness, reducing friction throughout the key travel. In contrast, the subjective feel qualities of the Huano Strawberry Latte are unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in this aspect. However, if the intention is a smooth typing experience, both switches may deliver satisfactory results, albeit in potentially different ways.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch stands out with its crisp, clacky sound profile and dynamic tactile feedback, providing an engaging typing experience, while the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a more moderated sound that caters to a broader audience. Since the subjective qualities of the Strawberry Latte's feel are not provided, one may need to explore individual preferences to determine which switch aligns better for personal use. Ultimately, both switches cater to varying needs and tastes, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can find a fit that suits their style, whether they prioritize auditory feedback or tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch depends largely on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you enjoy a medium-light keypress with a snappy sound signature, the V3 Piano Pro is an ideal option. Its clacky, resonant audible feedback, along with its bouncy and creamy feel, creates a lively and engaging typing experience that many find enjoyable, especially for activities like coding or gaming where tactile feedback can enhance responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with minimal effort required for actuation, the Strawberry Latte is the better choice. With its lighter 45-gram bottom-out force, this switch delivers a super smooth experience that is both quiet and balanced, making it perfect for long typing sessions or environments where noise management is crucial. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not just your tactile preferences but also the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard, ensuring that you find the switch that perfectly complements your style.
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