Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2 are both linear mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is praised for its budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality, offering a poppy and clacky sound along with exceptional smoothness. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is a classic choice known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, making it a favorite among the keyboard community. While the Cream Black Pro is described as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Ink Black V2 is characterized as 'Low-pitched', 'Bassy', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique appeal, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing the right switch for your typing needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2 both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 boasts a proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both housing materials provide distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro may be more suited for those looking for a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the V3 Cream Black Pro uses a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Black V2 also utilizes a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, contributing to a clacky sound profile. Both bottom housings provide unique qualities to the switches, with the nylon material of the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a duller and rounder sound compared to the higher-pitched sound of the Gateron Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend bottom housing.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in terms of their compositions and resulting sound profiles, both switches deliver satisfying typing experiences. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance of impact on both bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate housing or a clacky and pointed sound with a proprietary INK blend housing, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience. The V3 Cream Black Pro requires a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a slightly lighter feel when typing. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a balance between typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which may cater more to gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 provides a longer travel distance, offering a more traditional typing experience with a deeper key press. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro being the shorter option for a faster response and the Gateron Ink Black V2 being the longer option for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences.
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 Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 linear switch offers a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, providing a distinctive poppy and clacky noise. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch produces a lower-pitched and bass-heavy tone with a rich clack, along with a unique chirpy quality that sets it apart. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for sound profiles, with the Cream Black Pro offering a higher-pitched and more crisp sound, while the Ink Black V2 delivers a deeper and bassier tone.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is recognized for its creamy and bouncy typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with a spring-like feedback. Additionally, it is described as snappy and polished due to its responsiveness and refined finish. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches deliver smooth key travel and reduced friction, making them comfortable options for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Black Pro excels in providing a high-pitched and snappy sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Ink Black V2 stands out for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile with a mild and polished typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience with smooth key travel and responsive feedback. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from both switches, with the choice boiling down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, you should take into account your preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a unique poppy and clacky sound with a smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic linear switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack, the Gateron Ink Black V2 may suit your preferences better. Additionally, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound and a creamy, bouncy, snappy, or polished feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a low-pitched sound and a mild or polished feel, the Ink Black V2 could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Mentioned in this article
