Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with a decision between linear and tactile switches. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offers a unique combination of a creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, and snappy typing experience, perfect for those looking for a smooth and polished feel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown provides an easy-to-press, mild, and stepped tactile sensation, ideal for those who enjoy a gentle bump without disrupting their typing flow. Both switches offer budget-friendly options without compromising on quality, but the Akko switch delivers a distinct poppy and clacky sound, while the Gateron switch enhances your RGB lighting with a frosted light diffuser. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
20mm
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other housing materials. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, both switches offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro and the G Pro 3.0 Brown diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the top housing. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing for the same reasons, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile as the V3 Cream Black Pro.
Ultimately, the differences between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown lie in their housing materials. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings in terms of sound profile and aesthetics, the use of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a similar experience with its own nylon bottom housing. Overall, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, the actuation force is the same at 55 grams. However, the bottom out force for the V3 Cream Black Pro is slightly heavier at 65 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown at 63 grams, making the V3 Cream Black Pro the heavier option between the two. This means that while both switches have the same amount of force required to initiate a keystroke, the V3 Cream Black Pro will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience when bottoming out keys. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the G Pro 3.0 Brown may be the more suitable choice, while those looking for a firmer feel may opt for the V3 Cream Black Pro. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, providing a unique and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch delivers a medium-high pitch with a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing sessions without overpowering them with noise. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience depending on your sound preference and surrounding environment.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is well-known for its creamy and bouncy typing sensation that offers a smooth and buttery keystroke experience. The keys feel polished and refined, creating a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch provides an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. These switches offer a gentle resistance that enhances comfort during extended typing sessions, making them suitable for users looking for a low-impact typing feel with a subtle tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Akko switch provides a high-pitched and creamy typing experience, the Gateron switch offers a medium-high pitch with easy-to-press and mild characteristics. Depending on your sound and typing preference, you can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either switch, ensuring a pleasant and tailored mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, a high-pitched and smooth typing sound, and a creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, then the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a mild and easy-to-press typing sound, and an easy-to-press, mild, and stepped feel, then the G Pro 3.0 Brown could be more suited to your typing style. Consider these aspects carefully to ensure that you select the mechanical keyboard switch that best aligns with your preferences and typing needs.
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