Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver are both linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their unique qualities. The Cream Black Pro V3 switches from Akko are perfect for budget-conscious individuals seeking top-notch quality. These switches boast a poppy and clacky sound, along with a smooth feel, making typing a delightful experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches from Gateron are a part of their budget-friendly line-up, offering exceptional value for gamers. With a shorter travel distance for faster responsiveness and vibrant RGB lighting, these switches enhance your gaming setup. While both switches have their strengths, such as the Cream Black Pro's bouncy and snappy feel and the G Pro Silver's buttery and thocky sound, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The primary difference between the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver lies in their bottom housing. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, the V3 Cream Black Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. This contrast in bottom housing materials gives each switch a unique typing experience and sound signature.
Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the G Pro 3.0 Silver benefit from the properties of polycarbonate in their top housings. Polycarbonate's stiffness creates clear and resonant sound profiles, making it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting due to its translucency. The choice of polycarbonate for the top housing ensures a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile for both switches, emphasizing the importance of housing material in determining the overall typing experience. Whether it's the V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing or the G Pro 3.0 Silver's matching polycarbonate bottom housing, each switch offers a unique combination of materials for a distinct typing feel.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver play a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles and typing experiences. While they both feature a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharp and high-pitched sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller dimension to its sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, on the other hand, maintains a consistent sound profile throughout thanks to its polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with each offering a unique blend of materials for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom-out force. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom-out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. Generally, a lighter actuation force is preferred for extended typing sessions, while a heavier force may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing feel. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the lighter option, making it suitable for prolonged use, while the V3 Cream Black Pro would offer a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, we see that the V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. While the difference is minimal, it may impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch when typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the range of shallow travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for a faster response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference - whether one prefers a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker keystrokes or a slightly longer one for a more pronounced keypress feel.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch offers a high-pitched and poppy sound when pressed, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch produces a bassy and thocky sound, offering a deeper and richer tone that adds a sense of depth to the key presses. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the sharpness of the Cream Black Pro or the richness of the G Pro Silver switch when it comes to sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its creamy and bouncy typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with a lively feedback when the keys are pressed. Conversely, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, delivering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and refined typing experience, catering to users who appreciate a polished typing feel.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Cream Black Pro switch provides a high-pitched and poppy sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the G Pro Silver switch offers a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper or richer sound and a bouncier or buttery feel, both switches provide excellent options for those looking to enhance their typing and gaming experiences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on the individual's sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, consider your preferences and needs carefully. If you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a unique poppy and clacky sound, smooth feel, and a bottom out force of 65 grams, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a shorter travel distance, exceptional gaming performance, vibrant RGB lighting, and a bottom out force of 50 grams, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver is the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for. Both switches offer high-quality features at different price points, so choose wisely based on your specific needs and preferences.
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