Gateron Beer vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Beer, with its translucent green appearance reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, is a tactile switch that offers a refreshingly lightweight feel. It boasts a stepped tactility, providing a subtler tactile experience compared to other switches, along with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro is a linear switch known for its fully polycarbonate construction, which influences both its sound and feel by providing a bright and chirpy sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience. While the Beer switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the V3 Crystal Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Chirpy', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different users, 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
38g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro utilize polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, higher pitch, and crispness. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound when typing or gaming on these switches. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the keyboards.
While both switches share the same housing material for the top and bottom, the qualities of the polycarbonate will be distributed differently throughout the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, like the Gateron Beer or Akko V3 Crystal Pro, will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key. Conversely, the top housing material will influence the sound produced when releasing a key, adding to the overall auditory experience of using these switches.
Overall, the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro both benefit from utilizing polycarbonate housing materials, providing a consistent and satisfying typing experience with clear, sharp, and resonant sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate not only enhances the sound but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of these switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Whether you choose the Beer or the V3 Crystal Pro, the utilization of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings ensures a premium typing experience with a focus on sound quality and visual aesthetics.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottom out force, the Beer requires 50 grams, while the V3 Crystal Pro needs 60 grams. The Beer switch would be preferred by individuals looking for a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro switch would be better suited for those seeking a more substantial and firm typing feel. Both switches provide different levels of resistance, catering to users with varying preferences in typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Beer provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast key presses. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, providing adequate feedback for typing and gaming needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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 its characteristic clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a chirpy sound with a unique squeak, setting it apart from other switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, its stepped tactility provides a more subtle tactile feedback compared to other switches. In contrast, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with lively key presses. Its fully polycarbonate construction gives it a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience.
Considering the available information, it's clear that the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gateron Beer is best suited for those who prefer a lightweight and easy-to-press switch with a clacky sound, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro is ideal for individuals looking for a bouncy and polished typing experience with a chirpy sound. However, if you're looking for similar results in terms of feel, the stepped tactility of the Beer and the bouncy sensation of the Crystal Pro may provide a comparable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, consider your preference for a lighter or medium bottom out force. If you enjoy a light and easy-to-press typing experience with a subtle tactile feel and characteristic clacky sound, the Gateron Beer may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force with a bouncy and polished feel, accompanied by a chirpy sound signature, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
