Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The V3 Piano Pro features Piano Pro switches known for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches from Sarokeys offer resonant and clacky notes with a factory lube job that results in a silky smooth typing experience. While the V3 Piano Pro is praised for being bouncy, creamy, and polished, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is noted for its high-pitched sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both use nylon as the housing material for their switch bottoms. This means that typing on these switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both keyboards will produce a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder housing materials.
On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes nylon for its top housing while the Strawberry Wine (V2) utilizes POM. The nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the bottom housing. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2) creates a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and more muted compared to nylon. This indicates that while both keyboards may offer a deep and full sound when it comes to the bottom housing, the top housing material will play a significant role in shaping the overall sound experience.
Ultimately, the choice between nylon and POM housing materials for the top housing will result in slightly different sound profiles for the Akko V3 Piano Pro and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2). The V3 Piano Pro will generate a sound that is deeper and fuller due to its nylon top housing, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) will offer a more unique and muted sound profile with its POM top housing. However, both keyboards will still provide a pleasant typing experience with their housing materials influencing the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force for both switches is the same at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Piano Pro is 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Strawberry Wine (V2) which bottoms out at 50 grams. The V3 Piano Pro provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a lighter feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quick response times, such as gamers. The difference between the two switches is minimal, with the V3 Piano Pro being slightly longer. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Strawberry Wine switch may be the preferred choice. However, if you enjoy a slightly deeper press, the V3 Piano Pro may be more suitable. In general, both switches offer similar performance due to their close travel distances.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches offer a clacky and resonant typing experience, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. The V3 Piano Pro adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) features an impeccable factory lube job that enhances the smoothness of the keystrokes. This results in a similar auditory experience with a different emphasis on snappiness and smoothness.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Piano Pro switches are known for their bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensations, providing a spring-like feedback, a smooth and buttery typing experience, a refined finish for sleek typing, and exceptionally smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While both switches excel in providing a smooth typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro offers more variety in tactile sensations, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) focuses on achieving ultimate smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches offer a unique combination of sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences. While they both deliver a clacky and resonant sound profile, the V3 Piano Pro emphasizes a snappy keystroke sound, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) focuses on a smooth and silky typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a lively sound signature or a silky smooth keystroke feel in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly lighter touch, the Strawberry Wine (V2) with its 50-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light feel, the 55-gram bottom out force of the V3 Piano Pro could be a better fit. Additionally, if you value a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, the V3 Piano Pro's Piano Pro switches may be the way to go. However, if you are looking for exceptional factory lubrication and a silky smooth typing experience, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose the switch that aligns best with what you value most in your typing experience.
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