Gateron Aliaz vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stand out as two exceptional tactile options, each catering to different preferences and environments. The Aliaz switches excel in quiet settings, making them an ideal choice for office use, where their medium-heavy weight and silent design provide a polished and muted typing experience without the disruptive noise often associated with mechanical switches. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a pronounced tactile bump and delivers a more energetic typing experience characterized by a loud and bassy sound signature, which can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy tactile feedback and audible confirmation while typing. While the Aliaz may appeal to those seeking discretion and a refined feel, the Creamy Purple Pro caters to users who relish a more engaging and expressive interaction with their keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
The Gateron Aliaz and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro share a commonality in their top housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material is significant in that it contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy clarity in their keystrokes. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual aspect of a keyboard setup. Given that both switches employ polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect similarly bright and vibrant sound characteristics while typing.
However, a notable distinction arises in the bottom housings of the two switches. The Gateron Aliaz employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which can be expected to ensure a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, offering a bit more clarity and punch to the overall audio feedback. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which tends to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This divergence in materials means that, although both switches share the same top housing material and brightness in sound, their bottom housing materials will influence the auditory experience, leading to differing tactile feelings when the switch bottoms out.
Consequently, the specific qualities attributed to each housing material influence the overall typing experience. With the Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing, the switch retains a sharper sound, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a softer auditory experience. This means that while both switches can achieve an eye-catching RGB aesthetic and a crisper sound from the top, their bottom-out sounds and typing feels differ due to the varying acoustic properties offered by polycarbonate and nylon. In essence, users who appreciate the toe-tapping clarity of polycarbonate may find the Aliaz preferable, while those who lean towards a rounder, softer auditory experience might enjoy the nuanced sound offered by the V3 Creamy Purple Pro.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a significantly lighter actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. This stark contrast means that users of the Aliaz may feel more resistance and tactile feedback, while those using the Creamy Purple Pro will likely find their keystrokes to be easier to press, resulting in less finger fatigue. Overall, the Aliaz is the heavier option, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter choice, leading to different preferences based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Aliaz switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro measures 3 mm. This means that the Aliaz switch offers a more traditional and deeper travel experience, suitable for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel, whereas the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, with its shorter 3 mm travel, is designed for quicker response times, making it a preferable choice for gamers seeking agility. Ultimately, if you favor a more substantial key press and tactile feedback, the Gateron Aliaz is the ideal option. In contrast, if speed and a more immediate response are your priorities, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would serve you better.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Aliaz switches is notably muted, designed for quieter environments such as offices where excessive noise can be a distraction. This makes them a fantastic option for individuals who value a serene typing experience without the clacking that often accompanies traditional mechanical switches. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches are characterized by a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, delivering an invigorating audio feedback with each keystroke. This auditory quality may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced sound, as it adds an extra layer of engagement to the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Aliaz switches boast a silky and polished typing experience that enhances both smoothness and precision. Their medium-heavy weight provides a satisfying feedback that users who prefer a tangible but not overwhelming tactile response will appreciate. The smooth key travel minimizes resistance, resulting in a refined experience that is perfect for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while not detailed, can be expected to be quite distinct due to its larger tactile bump. This tactile feedback might cater to those who prefer a more dynamic feel in their typing, driving a different but equally engaging experience.
In summary, choosing between the Gateron Aliaz and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches largely hinges on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback. While the Aliaz offers a muted, smooth experience tailored for quieter environments, the Creamy Purple Pro provides a louder auditory presence with a pronounced tactile bump. Both switches present unique qualities, and depending on your typing habits and preferences, you would find satisfaction in either option, albeit for different reasons.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Aliaz tactile switches and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switches ultimately hinges on your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you find yourself in a quiet office setting or a shared space where noise can be a concern, the Aliaz switches are an excellent option due to their muted sound profile and heavier actuation force of 75 grams, providing a satisfying and substantial typing experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a pronounced tactile feedback, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—characterized by their invigorating tactile bump and louder bassy sound—might be the way to go. These switches not only offer a responsive feel but also contribute a vibrant auditory climax to your typing, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more expressive typing experience. Thus, consider your environment, the level of noise you’re comfortable with, and how much tactile feedback you desire when making your final decision.
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