Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu are two popular choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, both offering a unique typing experience. The V3 Piano Pro is renowned for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are favored for their delicate typing experience and material blend that gives them a crisp sound profile. While the V3 Piano Pro is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy', the Yanyu is described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Feathery'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences and typing habits. 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
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu, both keyboards use nylon in their top housing components. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. However, the Yanyu takes a unique approach by blending polymer nylon with UHMWPE, resulting in a sound profile that is brighter but not overly sharp. This blend offers a different auditory experience compared to the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing.
In terms of bottom housing, both keyboards utilize nylon as well. This material similarly contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, the Yanyu sets itself apart by blending polymer nylon with UHMWPE in its bottom housing. This unique blend results in a sound profile that is more pleasant, leaning towards the brighter side without being too sharp. This difference in bottom housing materials may lead to variations in the overall sound and feel of the keyboards.
When comparing the impact of top and bottom housing materials on key press and release, the qualities of each material will be split between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when the key is released. Understanding how these housing materials interact with key presses can help users appreciate the nuances in sound and tactile feedback between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is clear that they have differing actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Piano Pro has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu has a light bottom out force of 43 grams, with an unknown actuation force, which suggests it may require less force to press keys. In terms of weight, the Yanyu is lighter, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. The V3 Piano Pro, with its slightly heavier bottom out force, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Yanyu has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Piano Pro. The V3 Piano Pro falls into the shorter travel distance range, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Yanyu with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 sound, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is known for its clacky and resonant characteristics, providing a sharp, snappy sound with a higher-pitched profile that adds a lively and immersive auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a more neutral and thocky sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and settings. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preference and environmental considerations.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with smooth and buttery keypresses. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch provides a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, catering to those seeking a gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue and minimal resistance. Each switch's unique feel can impact user comfort and performance, making it essential to consider personal preferences and typing habits when choosing between the two.
Overall, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different user preferences and typing needs. While the V3 Piano Pro switch is known for its snappy sound and bouncy, creamy feel, the SP-Star Yanyu switch excels in providing a delicate sound profile and a mild, feathery typing experience. Both switches have their strengths and can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences and usage scenarios. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from both switches, with subtle differences in sound and feel that cater to varying preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a snappy and lively keystroke with a medium-light bottom out force, the V3 Piano Pro may be the ideal choice for you. The Piano Pro switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback and a crisp sound profile that enhances your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more delicate typing experience, the Yanyu switch might be more suitable for you. The Yanyu switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience with a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferred typing feel and sound profile for a personalized and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
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