Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Gateron Glory Red provide two compelling options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches are celebrated for their rich, poppy, and clacky sound signature, creating an engaging auditory experience alongside their smooth keystrokes. Their creamy texture and high-pitched feedback cater to budget-conscious users without sacrificing quality, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a dynamic typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches excel in offering a lighter tactile experience, characterized by a smooth keystroke and an optimal travel distance for effortless typing. This makes them particularly appealing for users who prioritize speed and comfort during extended use. While both switches are linear and aimed at enhancing the typing experience, they bring distinct qualities that cater to diverse preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Glory Red switches offer distinctly different sound profiles due to their differing top housing materials. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a "sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper" sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity, making it particularly compatible with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red employs a nylon top housing, traditionally offering a "deeper and fuller" sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience compared to the sharper tones of polycarbonate. Hence, while both switches provide different auditory experiences from their respective top housings, the Akko's polycarbonate aims for brightness, whereas the Gateron’s nylon leans towards warmth.
Both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Glory Red feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This shared characteristic means that, regardless of their differences in top housing, both switches will exhibit similar qualities in terms of sound and feel stemming from the bottom housing. The nylon bottom provides a consistent foundation for both switches, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. As the switches bottom out, the nylon's sound-absorbing properties contribute to a rounded auditory profile that is muted yet pleasant, neutralizing some of the harsher sounds that might emerge from the top housing material. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in their acoustic contributions, the nylon bottom helps unify and enhance the overall typing experience.
In summary, the contrasting materials of the top housings showcase the unique auditory characteristics of both switches. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, with its polycarbonate top, delivers a crisp and vibrant sound, while the Gateron Glory Red's nylon top promotes a softer and more subdued auditory environment. However, both switches resonate similarly when it comes to their nylon bottoms, which establish a cohesive and fuller typing experience. As a result, users might enjoy the sharper auditory characteristics of the Akko's top while still experiencing the balanced and rounded tones shared by the nylon bottoms of both switches. This combination enables users to select a switch that aligns with their auditory preferences while enjoying consistent sound quality from the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams, while the Glory Red has a significantly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option of the two switches. This lighter force can lead to a more effortless typing experience, which is ideal for extended use, such as long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, providing a sense of resistance that some users find satisfying. Additionally, the bottom out force for the V3 Cream Black Pro is specified at 65 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Gateron Glory Red is listed as unknown. This means that while users can expect a clear tactile feedback from bottoming out with the V3 Cream Black Pro, the experience for the Glory Red remains uncertain. Overall, the lighter actuation force of the Glory Red makes it suitable for users favoring a softer touch, while the V3 Cream Black Pro caters to those who appreciate a firmer response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, we find a tangible difference between the two options. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter of the two switches, while the Gateron Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, placing it in the longer category. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may favor the V3 Cream Black Pro for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide a more immediate tactile feedback. On the other hand, users who appreciate a deeper and more pronounced key press might opt for the Glory Red, as its longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel. Overall, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the quick, snappy feedback of the shorter travel or the more robust engagement of the longer distance.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 switches produce a distinctively high-pitched and clacky noise that adds an engaging auditory element to your typing experience. This particular sonic profile is ideal for those who prefer a sharper, crisper sound rather than a deeper, bass-heavy tone that some switches provide. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches do not have a defined sound profile in this context, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, keep in mind that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced significantly by the type of keyboard, keycaps, and even the surface you’re typing on.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches offer a notably creamy experience, characterized by smoothness akin to gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. This buttery sensation is often attributed to factory lubrication and the materials used in the switch design. Additionally, these switches impart a bouncy, spring-like feedback, giving a lively and responsive feel while typing, which adds an enjoyable dynamic to the overall experience. Unfortunately, the Gateron Glory Red switches lack a detailed description in terms of their tactile feedback and feel, making that aspect of their performance somewhat enigmatic.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches are well-regarded for their high-pitched sound and a uniquely smooth and responsive feel, the Gateron Glory Red switches do not provide specific qualities in sound and tactile feedback for direct comparison. Thus, if you prioritize auditory sharpness and a creamy typing sensation, the Cream Black Pro would be the superior choice. However, should other qualities of the Glory Red switches come into focus, it may appeal to those seeking a different, but potentially satisfying, typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more robust keystroke with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be an excellent fit; its poppy sound and creamy, smooth feel provide a satisfying typing experience, especially if you enjoy a snappy feedback sensation with a touch of bounce. This switch is ideal if you appreciate a more pronounced audio response and a luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter feel with potentially less resistance, the Gateron Glory Red may suit you better; while specific details on its bottom-out force are unknown, it is designed to offer a smooth keystroke with enjoyable travel. This switch is likely to appeal to those who favor a more effortless typing experience without the extra auditory feedback. In essence, choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro for a rich tactile experience and sound, while opting for the Gateron Glory Red can offer a simpler, more streamlined sensation.
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