Gateron Beer vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver Pro offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron Beer switch stands out with its translucent green design, reminiscent of a Tsingtao beer bottle, and its stepped tactility that provides a subtle yet satisfying keypress. Known for its characteristic clacky sound, the Beer switch is easy to press and ideal for those who enjoy a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch is tailored for gamers, boasting a smooth keystroke with a pleasing bassy sound. With a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, the Silver Pro switch excels in fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Both switches offer unique benefits, but diving deeper into their characteristics and performance will help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and Akko V3 Silver Pro have similar polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. However, the Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing contrasts with the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing. While polycarbonate offers a clear and resonant sound profile, nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder tone.
In terms of sound and feel, the different housing materials in the Gateron Beer and Akko V3 Silver Pro switches result in distinct typing experiences. The impact of the bottom housing material is more pronounced when typing on the switches, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nylon bottom housing in the V3 Silver Pro contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when pressing the keys, while the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing in the Beer produces a clearer and more resonant tone. Conversely, the top housing material has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key, highlighting the differences between the two switches' sound profiles.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Beer and Akko V3 Silver Pro switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a clearer tone. However, the contrasting nylon bottom housing in the V3 Silver Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound that may appeal to users looking for a more rounded typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the V3 Silver Pro. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter key press. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preferences for typing feel and force requirements for a more comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, the Beer has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular due to their quick response times. Gamers especially tend to favor shorter travel distances for their keyboards. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, the slightly longer travel distance of the Gateron Beer may provide a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Silver 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 Silver 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, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound profile. Depending on personal preference, the clacky sound of the Beer switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more vibrant and percussive typing experience, while the higher-pitched sound of the V3 Silver Pro switch may cater to individuals who prefer a sharper and brighter sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. Additionally, the Beer switch is characterized by its stepped tactility, providing a subtler tactile feel compared to the continuous curve of round tactility. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switch is described as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness in key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky sound with a stepped tactility, the Beer switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a high-pitched sound with a creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel, the V3 Silver Pro switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience by providing smooth and effortless key presses. Choosing between the two would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a distinctive clacky sound and a stepped tactility that offers a subtle feel, the Gateron Beer switch with its 50g bottom out force might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for a switch that produces a pleasing bassy sound, features a light actuation force of 45g for quick keystrokes, and has a shortened travel distance, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch could be the better option for your gaming needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and intended use of the keyboard.
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