Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking into mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron CAP Anniversary, a linear switch, and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch. The CAP Anniversary is known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its unique CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a budget-friendly option with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, paired with a smooth and tactile sensation. While the CAP Anniversary is categorized as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the V3 Cream Blue Pro falls under 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, making them appealing for different preferences. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The CAP Anniversary utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro also employs a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar sound profile to the CAP Anniversary in terms of depth and fullness.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches feature clear polycarbonate housings that allow for RGB lighting to shine through beautifully. This makes them both ideal choices for those looking to enhance their setup with customizable lighting effects. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches offers a balance of qualities that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound when a key is let go, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of each key press.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro share similarities in their housing materials, resulting in comparable sound profiles and aesthetics. Both switches offer a unique combination of polycarbonate and nylon that contribute to a satisfying typing experience with a balance of sharpness, depth, and resonance in their sound profiles. Whether you choose the CAP Anniversary or the V3 Cream Blue Pro, you can expect a high-quality keyboard switch that is sure to enhance your typing and gaming experience.
Weight
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch with 45 grams, making the V3 Cream Blue Pro the lighter option of the two. The bottom out force of the CAP Anniversary is also heavier at 65 grams, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the CAP Anniversary provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a lighter touch that may be more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches provide unique experiences due to their differences in actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the CAP Anniversary has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. A 4.0mm travel distance is a more traditional option, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, a 3.3mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster response times. Both options offer their own advantages, with the longer travel distance offering a more comforting press and the shorter travel distance providing a quicker response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and desired key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 CAP Anniversary is described as providing a smooth and quiet typing experience due to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that adds an audible feedback element to the typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the CAP Anniversary focusing on smoothness and the Cream Blue Pro emphasizing a lively sound profile.
Moving on to the feel, the CAP Anniversary is known for its snappy, creamy, and polished typing sensation, offering a responsive and smooth key press with minimal wobble. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, delivering a tactile and lively typing experience with prominent tactility. While the CAP Anniversary aims for a refined and stable typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more tactile and bouncy feel that adds a playful element to the keystrokes.
Overall, when considering the sound and feel of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, it is evident that they each offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The CAP Anniversary excels in providing a smooth and quiet typing experience with minimal wobble, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro delivers a lively sound profile and tactile feedback for a more engaging typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and stability or prefer a more tactile and audibly satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, there are key factors to consider. If you prioritize exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble and stability, the CAP Anniversary would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a distinct sound profile and a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value smoothness and stability or a lively, audible feedback combined with a creamy tactile experience. Consider what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
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