Gateron CM vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, one immediately notices the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The CM switch breaks away from tradition with its full nylon housing, offering a richer sound signature and a smooth typing experience due to its impeccable factory lube job. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch stands out with its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. The CM switch is described as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Polished', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless', while the Piano Pro switch is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its unique features that may appeal to 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, both keyboards feature nylon top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic is shared between the two keyboards, ensuring a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, where the keyboards may differ is in the design and construction of their housings. The Gateron CM and Akko V3 Piano Pro may have variations in the thickness or shape of their housings, which can impact the overall typing experience. These differences could result in subtle variations in sound and feel, making one keyboard stand out over the other for certain users who prefer a specific typing experience.
Despite potential differences in design, the shared use of nylon housing in both keyboards ensures a consistent deep and full sound profile during typing. Users can expect a similar level of sound absorption and a rounder sound output from either keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Piano Pro may come down to personal preference in terms of design, aesthetics, and any additional features each keyboard offers beyond their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Gateron CM has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, giving it a medium-light touch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience might opt for the Akko V3 Piano Pro, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Gateron CM would appeal to users looking for a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the travel distance of 3.5 mm on the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results when typing or gaming with either one. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the feel of the key press – the Gateron CM may offer a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CM linear switch is known for its bassy and thocky characteristics, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as clacky and resonant, providing a sharp and snappy sound with a higher-pitched tone. While the CM switch delivers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a clean and sharp sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches in terms of sound would depend on whether you prefer a deeper, richer sound or a crisper, brighter sound with a higher pitch.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron CM and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches exhibit creamy and polished characteristics, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the CM switch is also noted for its buttery and frictionless feel, offering an effortlessly smooth and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switch boasts a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation with lively rebound when keys are pressed. Choosing between the two switches in terms of feel would come down to whether you prefer a more springy and bouncy typing experience or a smoother and more uniform sensation.
Overall, both the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The CM switch provides a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery and frictionless feel, while the V3 Piano Pro switch offers a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound richness or crispness, and whether you prefer a smooth or bouncy typing experience, you can choose between these switches to achieve your desired keyboard feel and sound. Additionally, keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a deeper and richer sound profile characterized by a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound, along with a buttery, polished, creamy, or frictionless feel, then the Gateron CM switch might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and appreciate a snappier sound signature with clacky and resonant characteristics, coupled with a smooth actuation and either a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky feel, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch could be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific qualities that appeal to you the most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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