Gateron CM vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro both stand out as linear switches with unique characteristics. The Gateron CM switches are recognized for their full nylon housing, providing a richer, deeper sound signature and a smooth typing journey due to the impeccable factory lube job. With a lengthened, dual-staged spring, the CM switches offer a bouncy typing experience that is categorized as buttery, bassy, polished, thocky, low-pitched, creamy, and frictionless. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are a budget-friendly option that delivers a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth feel right out of the box. Ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are categorized as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as nylon is known for its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
However, where the two switches differ is in their top housing materials. The Gateron CM features a nylon top housing, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro opts for a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound produced by the nylon top housing of the Gateron CM. This choice of material also allows for the integration of RGB lighting due to its translucency, offering a more visually appealing typing experience for users who enjoy customizable lighting effects.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro will come down to personal preference. If you prefer a softer, deeper sound profile while typing, the Gateron CM with its nylon top and bottom housing may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with the added visual appeal of RGB lighting, then the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro with its polycarbonate top housing may be the switch for you. Whichever switch you choose, both will provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron CM linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the CM requires 63.5 grams, which is higher than the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's 60 grams. This means that while the CM may feel slightly heavier to actuate, it also requires a bit more force to fully press the key. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Gateron CM, while those who prefer a lighter touch may prefer the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience even though one is slightly lighter and the other slightly heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches, we find that the CM has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the shorter option, offering a quicker response time that may be preferred by gamers looking for swift reactions. On the other hand, the CM provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and key press dynamics.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CM linear switch is best described as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, offering a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown. Both switches will provide a different auditory experience due to their unique sound qualities and materials used, but both are sure to offer a satisfying sound when typing on them.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CM switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and enhanced smooth key travel. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch, on the other hand, is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering light actuation force, bouncy feedback, responsiveness, and smooth key travel. Both switches promise a comfortable typing experience with different tactile sensations, ensuring reduced finger fatigue and effortless typing.
Overall, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the CM switch provides a bassy sound with a buttery and creamy feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch offers a poppy sound with easy-to-press and bouncy attributes. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches are great options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. With the unique characteristics of each switch, you can expect a different but equally enjoyable typing journey with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a deeper, bass-heavy sound profile with a buttery and polished typing experience, the Gateron CM switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a poppy, clacky sound, and an easy-to-press, feathery feel with a hint of bounce, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch might be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most.
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