Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Ink Red both offer unique qualities worth exploring. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is lauded for its budget-friendly yet high-quality construction, boasting a distinctive poppy and clacky sound paired with exceptional smoothness. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red stands out for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. The Ink Reds are praised for their smoothness, crispy sound profile, and effortless typing experience. 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
60g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Ink Red, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles due to their different compositions. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its slightly higher-pitched yet clacky sound. In terms of aesthetic appeal, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Black Pro allows for better utilization of RGB lighting, whereas the INK blend in the Gateron Ink Red offers a more subtle and refined appearance.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the V3 Cream Black Pro features a nylon housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red utilizes the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, providing a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. While the V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, the INK blend in the Gateron Ink Red maintains a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky.
Overall, while the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Ink Red offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials, they both excel in providing satisfying typing experiences. The V3 Cream Black Pro's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a unique balance of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Gateron Ink Red's consistent use of the proprietary INK blend throughout its housing delivers a more uniform sound profile. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to enhance the typing feel and sound for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch to the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier actuation force at 55 grams compared to the Ink Red's 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the V3 Cream Black Pro requiring 65 grams and the Ink Red requiring 60 grams. The V3 Cream Black Pro can provide a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force, while the Ink Red offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches 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 a shorter option compared to the Gateron Ink Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Ink Red offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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 are characterized by a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound profile that stands out with its poppy and clacky nature. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switches offer a neutral, moderate sound with a unique chirpy quality that adds a little squeak to the typing experience. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Cream Black Pro leaning towards a brighter sound and the Ink Red offering a more balanced profile.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches are described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with spring-like feedback and responsiveness. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Red switches provide a silky and mild typing experience, with a polished finish that enhances smoothness and reduces friction. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing feel, with the Cream Black Pro emphasizing liveliness and responsiveness while the Ink Red focuses on a gentle and smooth experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Gateron Ink Red switches have their own unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Black Pro offers a high-pitched and poppy sound with creamy and bouncy tactile feedback, while the Ink Red provides a chirpy sound with a silky and mild typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for quality switches with distinct characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a brighter, more responsive typing experience or a balanced, smooth typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, you should take into account your typing style and preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a high-pitched sound profile with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a neutral sound profile with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing habits.
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