Gateron Aliaz vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Aliaz is renowned for its tactile feedback and quiet operation, making it ideal for office settings where noise may be a concern. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro is favored for its budget-friendly price point and smooth linear operation, accompanied by a satisfying poppy and clacky sound. While the Aliaz provides a medium-heavy keystroke with a muted feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience with a high-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your 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
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The main difference between the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro lies in their bottom housing materials. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic material resonates more clearly, resulting in a crisper typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and more subdued typing sound compared to the Aliaz.
However, both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, which enhances the sound profile by creating a sharper and crisper typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboards. This common feature in the top housing ensures that both the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro deliver similar results when it comes to sound quality and aesthetics.
Due to the different bottom housing materials used in the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, users can expect variations in the overall typing experience. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a more defined bottom-out sound and feel, while the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a deeper and fuller typing sound. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharper, crisper sound of the Aliaz or the deeper, more muted sound of the V3 Cream Black Pro. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience of each switch.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 75 grams to bottom out, making it a heavy switch. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro only needs 55 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, giving it a slightly lighter feel at medium-heavy. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Aliaz is better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, while the V3 Cream Black Pro is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, the Aliaz has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro's 3.3 mm. This means that the Aliaz will provide a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. However, both switches fall within a relatively typical range of travel distances, with 4 mm being more traditional and 3.3 mm being on the shallower end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch offers a muted sound, which creates a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp when pressed, adding a unique auditory element to your typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them would depend on your personal preference for sound.
Moving on to the feeling of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction during key presses. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is characterized as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, with a bouncy and snappy feedback that makes keystrokes feel lively and responsive. Both switches prioritize smoothness and a refined typing experience, ensuring that every keystroke is comfortable and satisfying.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Aliaz excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy weight and polished finish, the V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its poppy and clacky sound with a smooth and buttery feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both in your mechanical keyboard switches, either of these options will provide a high-quality typing experience that meets your specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, consider your environment and preferences. If you work in a quiet office setting and enjoy a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the Aliaz switches may be the better choice for you with their heavier bottom out force. On the other hand, if you are on a budget and prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a unique poppy and clacky sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches could be the perfect fit with their medium-heavy bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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