Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, you are presented with two excellent options for your mechanical keyboard needs. The Akko Cream Black Pro V3 stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, boasting a unique poppy and clacky sound paired with exceptional smoothness. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro White offers a light actuation force ideal for delicate typists, along with a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches have their own set of characteristics, from 'Creamy' and 'Bouncy' for the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro to 'Easy-to-press' and 'Feathery' for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White keyboards utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for switches meant to be used with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. Both keyboards benefit from the acoustical properties of polycarbonate, offering users a satisfying typing experience with distinct auditory feedback.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the V3 Cream Black Pro features a nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 White also utilizes nylon as the material for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, adding a different dimension to the overall typing experience. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the impact of the nylon bottom housing on the keyboards' sound profiles may vary slightly due to other design factors.
While both keyboards share similarities in their choice of housing materials, the distribution of these materials within the keyboards may lead to subtle differences in sound and feel. The qualities of the bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. This division of housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that combines the unique properties of both polycarbonate and nylon, resulting in keyboards that cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, whether using the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White, users can expect a quality typing experience with distinct characteristics attributed to the housing materials chosen for each keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 White is the lighter option. The V3 Cream Black Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 White has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is lighter in comparison. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White will require less force to trigger a keystroke and less force to bottom out, making it a better choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have their advantages, with the G Pro 3.0 White being better for longer typing sessions and the V3 Cream Black Pro providing a more tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing or gaming experience. Gamers looking for quicker response times may prefer the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper keypress feel may lean towards the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing/gaming style.
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 White 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 White 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched and poppy sound, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience upon key press. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch presents a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying clacky sound, bright and percussive in nature. While the V3 Cream Black Pro leans towards a sharper sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a more neutral and subdued sound, catering to different preferences in terms of auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches deliver distinct sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on individual preferences and the accompanying keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches provide a creamy typing experience characterized by a smooth and buttery sensation. This indicates a high level of tactile comfort and ease during key presses, allowing for effortless keystrokes with minimal resistance. Additionally, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is noted for its bouncy and snappy feel, offering a lively typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 White switch emphasizes an easy-to-press and feathery touch, reducing finger fatigue and providing a comfortable typing feel. Overall, both switches ensure a polished and silky typing experience, enhancing overall comfort and typing efficiency.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a higher-pitched and bouncy sound paired with a smooth and snappy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White provides a more neutral and easy-to-press sound profile with a feathery and mild typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation, both offering a premium typing experience at a budget-friendly price point. With either switch, users can expect a similar level of typing comfort and efficiency, tailored to their specific preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, a high-pitched and smooth sound profile, and a creamy and bouncy typing experience, then the V3 Cream Black Pro switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force of 45 grams, a clacky and neutral sound profile, and a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience, then the G Pro 3.0 White switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal typing style and the specific characteristics that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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