Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Silver Pro and Huano Strawberry Latte are two noteworthy linear options that cater to distinct preferences and user experiences. The V3 Silver Pro is engineered with gamers in mind, boasting a light actuation force and a shortened travel distance, which allows for rapid key presses that are crucial in high-stakes gameplay. Its creamy, feathery feel and polished sound profile create a satisfying typing experience that enhances performance while providing a pleasant acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a super smooth typing experience, utilizing the latest molds from Huano for consistency and precision. This switch strikes a balanced sound profile, combining a delightful auditory experience without being overly resonant or too quiet, making it versatile for various tasks beyond gaming. Both switches have their strengths—whether you prioritize speed and efficiency with the Akko V3 Silver Pro or seek comfort and a balanced sound with the Strawberry Latte. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13.8mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches showcase different materials for their top housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles and performance characteristics. The V3 Silver Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to the material’s stiffness. This rigidity allows for enhanced resonance, making the sound more defined, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting setups due to polycarbonate's translucency. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a POK top housing that is known for its smoothness and durability. While it doesn't produce the same level of brightness as polycarbonate, it provides a distinct sound that many users might appreciate, focusing on smoothness over clarity. Thus, despite their different materials, both switches are engineered to permit a captivating auditory experience, albeit through different acoustic properties.
Conversely, both the V3 Silver Pro and the Huano Strawberry Latte employ nylon for their bottom housing. This commonality leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile across both switch models. Nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, which help contribute to a rounder auditory experience. Since the bottom housing greatly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, the choice of nylon ensures that both switches deliver a consistent type of feedback: a softer, more muted sound compared to switches that might use harder plastics for the bottom housing. This kinship in bottom housing materials fosters an environment where users can expect a similar tactile experience when bottoming out, regardless of their choice of switch.
Ultimately, when analyzing the Akko V3 Silver Pro and Huano Strawberry Latte switches, it becomes clear that their design harmonizes both diversity in sound profiles and commonality in tactile feedback. The top housing materials—polycarbonate for the V3 Silver Pro and POK for the Strawberry Latte—offer distinguishable sound qualities, allowing users to choose a switch based on their preference for brightness versus smoothness. However, the shared nylon bottom housing effectively unites these switches under a common auditory experience, ensuring that for users who prioritize deeper acoustic feedback, both models deliver a satisfying performance even though they incorporate differing top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force, although both have the same bottom-out force. The V3 Silver Pro features an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is slightly lighter at 35 grams. This means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch might find the Strawberry Latte switch more suitable for extended use, as it requires less force to register a keystroke. However, both switches bottom out at 45 grams, giving users a similar experience when fully pressing the key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference for actuation force: the V3 Silver Pro provides a firmer feel with its 40-gram actuation, while the Strawberry Latte offers a softer touch with 35 grams.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this comparison, the V3 Silver Pro is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who seek quicker response times with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing, as it provides a deeper and less abrupt experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus tactile depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch produces a rich, bassy tone that is well-suited for gaming, delivering a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This sound profile can be quite appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience while typing or gaming. While the Huano Strawberry Latte switch's specific sound characteristics are not detailed, it is known for its balanced sound profile, which may imply a solid auditory experience that resides comfortably between being too quiet and overly resonant. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, yet both should allow for a satisfying auditory feedback experience, depending on the keyboard and keycap combination used.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch excels with its light actuation force and is designed for effortless key presses, making it particularly beneficial for prolonged gaming sessions or extended typing tasks. Descriptions like "creamy," "feathery," "polished," and "silky" highlight how these switches provide a remarkably smooth and comfortable typing experience, minimizing finger fatigue. Unfortunately, there are no specific details on the feel of the Strawberry Latte switches, leaving this quality somewhat unknown. However, given the technological advancements in switch design, one can assume that the feel will likely meet or exceed the expectations set by contemporary linear switches.
In summary, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch stands out for its engaging sound profile and exceptional feel, tailored specifically for gamers and those who value smooth key actuation. Although details about the Huano Strawberry Latte switch's sound and feel are less defined, its balanced sound profile suggests it provides a satisfying auditory experience. Overall, both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences, with the V3 Silver Pro being exceptionally well-suited for gaming. Regardless of choice, both can yield enjoyable typing experiences, contingent upon the keyboard setup and individual tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your primary use case and personal preferences. If you're primarily a gamer seeking responsiveness and speed, the V3 Silver Pro is designed for just that, thanks to its light actuation force and shortened travel distance, which can give you an edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Additionally, the high-pitched sound profile and easy-to-press nature make these switches ideal for gamers wanting a linear switch that feels effortless during intense play. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more balanced typing experience, the Strawberry Latte might be your go-to. Its creamy and polished feel—coupled with a sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant—makes it an excellent choice for those who spend long hours typing and value a refined tactile sensation. Choosing the right switch boils down to whether you're looking for swift performance or a luxurious typing experience, so consider how you plan to use your keyboard before making a decision.
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