Gateron CM vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the advantages of different types, each tailored to unique preferences and typing experiences. The Gateron CM, a linear switch, distinguishes itself with its full nylon housing, offering a rich and deep sound signature that complements its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, thanks in part to a meticulous factory lube job. With a lengthened, dual-staged spring, users can anticipate a bouncy, frictionless typing experience that feels effortlessly fluid. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a tactile switch experience characterized by a pronounced bump, delivering satisfying feedback with each stroke. Known for its louder, bass-tinged acoustics, the Creamy Purple Pro caters to those who appreciate a bit more resistance and tactile sensation while typing. Both switches have their own unique allure, making them appealing to different types of users; whether you prioritize smoothness and sound or tactile feedback and response, your choice will ultimately depend on your personal 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

Gateron CM Linear

Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro Tactile

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

$3.11

$2.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housing composition. The Gateron CM features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic properties that produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is significantly stiffer and enhances the overall acoustic clarity of the switch. The polycarbonate material facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making the typing experience feel more responsive and resonant. The clear nature of polycarbonate also provides aesthetic advantages, especially for RGB lighting setups, which can show off the illumination more vividly.

In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which ensures that they share similar acoustic properties in this aspect. The nylon bottom housing of the CM and the V3 Creamy Purple Pro contributes to a cohesive typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound. Given that the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, the two switches will feel remarkably alike in this regard. As a result, even though the topline sound profiles differ due to their top housing materials, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a unified auditory experience when the keys are pressed down, leading to a rounder acoustic quality that can be appreciated by typists.

Overall, while the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro exhibit varying sound characteristics due to the differences in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—both switches can still deliver satisfactory typing experiences. The CM’s nylon top yields a deeper sound, while the V3’s polycarbonate offers more clarity, demonstrating how each switch uniquely influences both the auditory and tactile feedback during use. However, through the common use of nylon in their bottom housings, the two models are able to create a foundational sound profile that promotes a more cohesive typing experience despite the differences felt on the top. Thus, both switches harness their unique material characteristics to offer distinct yet enjoyable keyboard performances.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Gateron CM features a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a notably lighter actuation force of just 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who favor a softer touch, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, the Gateron CM is the heavier option, providing a more substantial feel, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter choice, facilitating easier keystrokes. This disparity in force means that users will experience distinctly different typing dynamics with each switch, depending on their personal preferences for either a more robust or a more delicate touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, it becomes clear that the CM switch offers a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. The difference in travel distance suggests that gamers who favor quicker response times might prefer the Akko switch due to its shallower travel, which can lead to faster key actuation. Conversely, users who appreciate a more pronounced key press and the feeling of depth in their typing experience may lean towards the Gateron CM, as its longer travel distance provides a hearty feel. Thus, the choice ultimately hinges on personal preference, with the Gateron CM being the option for those who prefer a deeper press, and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro catering to those who favor responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, the CM definitely stands out with its rich, deep bassy tone, often described as thocky and low-pitched. This deeper sound profile contributes to a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro are not detailed, leaving its acoustic profile somewhat of a mystery. Given that sound can be significantly influenced by the choice of keyboard build and keycaps, users might find that the CM’s well-defined audio characteristics offer a clearer advantage for those who prioritize sound in their typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Gateron CM excels with descriptors like buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, indicating an exceptionally smooth keystroke that allows fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. This is largely attributed to its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job that minimizes friction, offering an enjoyable and fluid typing journey. Conversely, the tactile feel of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is not elaborated upon, leaving users to conjecture about its tactile feedback. However, tactile switches often provide a distinct bump, which could offer a different typing experience compared to the linear smoothness of the CM.

In conclusion, if you're searching for a switch that delivers a superior sound experience, the Gateron CM linear switch is clearly the stronger contender due to its rich, thocky audio profile. Meanwhile, in terms of feel, the CM also holds the upper hand with its buttery and frictionless keystrokes. Without specific information about the tactile nature of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro or its sound, it's challenging to fully assess its capabilities against the CM. Users deciding between these two options should consider their preferences for sound and typing feel, but those favoring a smoothly polished typing experience will likely find the Gateron CM to be the more satisfying choice.

Conclusion

To summarize, your choice between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a heavier feel and thrive on the smooth, buttery experience characterized by a deeper, bassy sound, then the Gateron CM is likely the better option for you. Its medium-heavy actuation at 63.5 grams and the rich audio feedback provide a satisfying tactile experience, particularly suited for people who appreciate a robust and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro might be the way to go. With a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a pronounced tactile bump, it can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy clear feedback on each keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who want a lively and engaging typing experience. In the end, it all boils down to whether you value weight and sound richness or a lighter feel with tactile feedback—choose according to your typing style and auditory preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CM Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro Tactile

$3.11

$2.10 per 10

Learn more