Gateron Beer vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer switch, with its mesmerizing translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, is a tactile switch that offers a unique experience. It is known for its lightweight and stepped tactility, providing a subtle feel and a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is a linear switch that appeals to budget-minded individuals looking for high-quality performance. With a poppy and clacky sound and a smooth feel right out of the packaging, this switch offers a creamy and bouncy typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which produce a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it perfect for switches that use RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the V3 Cream Black Pro differs in its bottom housing, which is made of nylon. This material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the variations in their bottom housings lead to different typing experiences. The bottom housing material, whether polycarbonate or nylon, significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. The Gateron Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing is likely to result in a clearer and resonant bottom-out sound, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing may provide a deeper and fuller typing experience. However, both switches will showcase the qualities of their respective top housings when the keys are released, with polycarbonate emphasizing sharpness and crispness, and nylon highlighting a rounder sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches offers a similar sharp, crisp sound, ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. However, the difference in bottom housing material, with polycarbonate in the Beer and nylon in the V3 Cream Black Pro, can lead to variations in sound depth and fullness. Whether you prioritize a clear, resonant sound or a deeper, fuller typing experience, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The difference in weight between the two switches highlights the preference for either a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time or a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push. Those who enjoy a lighter touch may opt for the Gateron Beer switch, while those seeking a heavier typing experience may prefer the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are favored by many gamers for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a more noticeable tactile feedback with the Gateron Beer switch compared to the smoother linear feel of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or slightly shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Beer tactile switch is known for producing a clacky sound when pressed, which is sharp and snappy, creating a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is described as having a high-pitched sound profile, which is sharp and crisp, making it stand out from other switches with a more rich and bassy sound. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Beer providing a clacky feel and the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a higher-pitched sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized as easy-to-press, with minimal force required for key presses, enhancing typing efficiency and reducing finger fatigue. Additionally, it features a stepped tactility, providing a more subtle tactile experience compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offers a creamy and smooth typing sensation, making key presses feel like gliding effortlessly across the keys. It also provides a bouncy and snappy feel, giving key presses a spring-like feedback and enhanced responsiveness. Overall, the Beer switch focuses on a lightweight and easy-to-press feel, while the V3 Cream Black Pro emphasizes smoothness and liveliness in keystrokes.
Considering the available information, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Beer switch delivers a clacky sound and easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, while the V3 Cream Black Pro switch provides a high-pitched sound, creamy smoothness, bouncy feedback, and snappy responsiveness. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the distinct characteristics offered by each switch. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their unique attributes, catering to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a light and easily-pressed switch with a distinctive clacky sound, then the Gateron Beer tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy linear switch with a creamy and smooth typing experience, along with a bouncy and snappy feel, then the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch would be the ideal pick. Consider your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force when deciding between these two switches to ensure you find the perfect match for your typing style and preferences.
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