Gateron Aliaz vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that caters to a quiet environment like the office, the Gateron Aliaz is a standout choice. With its medium-heavy weight and silent design, the Aliaz provides a substantial feel to each keystroke, ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is perfect for those on a budget who still want a high-quality tactile switch. Known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, these switches offer a smooth typing experience and a lively, audible feedback that's harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. While both switches have their unique qualities, choosing between the two ultimately depends on your preference for typing experience and environment. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also contributes to enhanced aesthetics and is particularly useful for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Aliaz features polycarbonate while the V3 Cream Blue Pro opts for nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
The choice between polycarbonate and nylon for the bottom housing of a switch can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing on the keyboard. While the bottom housing of the Aliaz enhances the bottom-out sound and feel with its relatively stiffer polycarbonate material, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing of both switches shares the same qualities as they both use polycarbonate. This means that the top housing plays a crucial role in determining the sound produced when releasing a key, contributing to a clear and resonant sound profile.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, the choice of nylon for the V3 Cream Blue Pro's bottom housing sets it apart with a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Aliaz. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon, both switches provide options for users seeking a specific typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. The Aliaz switch would be better for users who prefer a heavier key press, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. Both switches provide varying levels of resistance, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. The Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro, offering a more traditional key press feel. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Aliaz. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, but the Aliaz offers a slightly longer travel distance for a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 Gateron Aliaz switch is known for its muted quality, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is praised for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile which provides a lively and audible feedback. Depending on your preference for typing noise, the Aliaz is ideal for quiet environments like offices, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro is perfect for users who enjoy a more vibrant typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the contrary, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile sensation with a spring-like feedback and increased responsiveness. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing different levels of tactility and smoothness, catering to a variety of preferences.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and pronounced feedback, the Aliaz switch is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a poppy and clacky sound profile with a creamy, tactile sensation and a smooth key travel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you're looking for a switch that offers a substantial and quiet typing experience, the Aliaz may be the better choice with its heavier bottom out force and muted sound profile tailored for office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option that delivers a lively and smooth typing feel with a medium-light bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro could be the ideal fit for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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