Gateron Beer vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves gravitating toward unique characteristics that enhance their typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, both of which offer appealing tactile feedback. The Gateron Beer, distinguished by its translucent green aesthetic reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, presents a lighter actuation force with its stepped tactility, allowing for a playful yet precise typing experience complemented by a distinctively clacky sound. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a nuanced feel with a vibrant auditory feedback. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a substantial tactile bump paired with a deeper, bassy noise that can satisfy users looking for a more pronounced tactile experience and a robust sound signature. While the Beer switch may appeal to those who enjoy a lighter, more delicate touch, the Creamy Purple Pro's firm feedback may attract typists who prefer assertive keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your personal typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. The polycarbonate material is known for its rigidity and translucency, which not only contributes to a sharper and crisper sound but also enhances the visual appeal when RGB lighting is involved. Since both switches share this material for their top housing, users can expect a comparable auditory experience during key presses. The clear finish of the polycarbonate amplifies the brightness of RGB lighting, making these switches equally suitable for users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance.
However, the differences arise in the bottoms of the switches, with the Gateron Beer featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is equipped with nylon. Polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics will create a sound profile that retains that high-pitched clarity when the key is bottomed out. In contrast, nylon, being a softer plastic, lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound, muting the sharpness in the overall auditory experience when the switch is activated. This contrast means that while both switches deliver an exciting top sound profile due to their similar upper materials, the overall acoustic character will differ significantly due to the nylon bottom housing in the Akko V3.
In practice, the interaction between the top and bottom housings will influence the overall experience of each switch. For instance, when pressing the Gateron Beer, users will experience the clear, bright sound signature from both the top and bottom, allowing for a consistent, resonant feel. Conversely, the Akko V3 will project a duller, softer sound when bottoming out, thanks to its nylon bottom. Therefore, while the top housings match in composition and sonic clarity, the nuanced sound differences from the bottom housings underline the distinct identities of these switches, offering gamers and typists choices tailored to their desired auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, the actuation forces differ, with the Beer switch requiring 38 grams while the Creamy Purple Pro requires only 30 grams. This makes the Akko switch the lighter option, which can benefit users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, providing less strain on the fingers. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, suggesting that while the initial actuation requires less pressure with the Creamy Purple Pro, both switches will feel similar when fully pressed down. For those who prefer a heavier feel, the Gateron Beer is the better choice, offering a more substantial typing experience with its stronger actuation force. Ultimately, the decision will depend on whether the user prioritizes lighter action for comfort or a heavier push for a more tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Gateron Beer features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that if responsiveness is a priority, the Akko switch may be the better choice, as its shorter travel distance caters to gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean toward the Gateron Beer due to its longer travel distance, which provides a more pronounced depth. In summary, the Gateron Beer offers a travel distance that is 0.4 mm longer than the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, catering to different preferences for tactile feedback and responsiveness.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch has a notable clacky quality that produces a sharp and snappy sound upon actuation. This crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback adds a lively character to typing, enhancing the experience for users who appreciate an engaging sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is known for its loud sound signature characterized by a bassier pitch, which gives it a deeper tone compared to the clackiness of the Beer switch. As with all switches, the actual sound may vary depending on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, but these two switches clearly offer distinct auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switch is lightweight and exceptionally easy to press, providing minimal resistance during key presses. This responsiveness creates a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for prolonged use. Additionally, the Beer switch features a stepped tactility, which allows for a more nuanced tactile sensation as the keystroke progresses. In contrast, details about the feel of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro are not provided. However, tactile switches generally provide noticeable feedback, and users can expect a different tactile experience with this switch compared to the Beer.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique qualities catering to different preferences. The Gateron Beer is perfect for those who enjoy a lighter touch and an engaging clacky sound, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro may appeal to those who prefer a louder, deeper auditory feedback. Without defined tactile characteristics for the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, it's uncertain how they compare in that aspect, but the differences in sound and the Beer switch's distinctive feel will certainly help newcomers choose the switch that best suits their typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and what you'd like to prioritize in your experience. If you value a lightweight key feel paired with a unique, subtly stepped tactility, the Beer switches may be the ideal fit for you. They are designed to provide an effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue, making them great for extended writing or coding sessions. Additionally, the clacky sound signature adds an engaging auditory component to your typing, perfect if you enjoy a lively keypress feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump and a deeper, bassier sound, then the Creamy Purple Pro switches might be your best bet. Their heavier tactile feedback creates a more pronounced interaction, which can be very satisfying for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience. Both switches share a 50-gram bottom out force, but the overall sensation and sound differ significantly. Depending on whether you lean towards a sparkling and lively typing feel with the Beers or a rich and bold tactile response with the V3 Creamy Purple Pros, you can find a switch that truly resonates with your typing style. Ultimately, the right choice will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience and cater to your individual preferences.
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