Gateron Beer vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it becomes evident that both offer unique benefits for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Beer switch, with its mesmerizing translucent green design reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, provides a refreshingly lightweight and stepped tactility. This switch offers an easy-to-press feel with a characteristic clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch is praised for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, resulting in a pleasing tactile experience with a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Beer switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Stepped', the V3 Piano Pro switch is described as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Beer switch focusing on a unique tactility and sound experience, while the V3 Piano Pro offers smooth and crisp keystrokes. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, one noticeable difference is in the top housing. The Beer utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in sound characteristics highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Piano Pro showcase a similar approach to their choice of materials. The Beer and the V3 Piano Pro both employ polycarbonate for their bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper and clearer sound profile. This similarity in housing material suggests that both switches are geared towards providing a consistent typing experience, with a focus on resonant sound output and tactile feedback. By utilizing polycarbonate in the bottom housing, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience for users who prioritize sound and feel.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact with each other in a switch, it becomes evident that the qualities of each housing material play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. For the Gateron Beer with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing, the typing experience will likely emphasize clarity and crispness in both keypress and release. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings suggests a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, offering users a versatile typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Beer is the lighter option with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Beer offers a lighter touch for smoother typing, while the V3 Piano Pro provides a bit more resistance for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Beer being ideal for extended typing sessions and the V3 Piano Pro offering a more defined typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, whereas the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significantly noticeable in terms of feel. If you prefer a slightly deeper press, the Akko V3 Piano Pro may be the better option for you. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional switches, providing a quick and responsive typing experience.
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 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are described as having a "clacky" sound profile. This means that they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. However, the V3 Piano Pro switch also offers a "resonant" sound profile, which adds a higher-pitched and immersive quality to the typing experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer switch is known for being easy-to-press and offering a gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the Beer switch features a "stepped" tactile feel, providing a more subtle tactility compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is described as "bouncy," offering a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. It also has a "creamy," "polished," and "silky" typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek and refined feel.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Beer and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches have similar "clacky" sound profiles, they offer different tactile experiences. The Beer switch provides an easy-to-press and stepped tactility, while the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for the tactile feel and sound signature desired in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider the characteristics that best match your preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a switch with a stepped tactility that offers a clacky sound signature, then the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher actuation force with a snappy sound and smooth actuation, along with features like bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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