Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, a linear switch, and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, a tactile switch, both offer their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko Cream Black Pro V3 switches are ideal for budget-conscious individuals looking for a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience. These switches are praised for their poppy and clacky sound, smooth feel, and bouncy response. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Browns provide a more traditional tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and a classic keystroke feel. Both switches boast high-precision molds and attractive backlight effects. 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
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Brown, it is evident that both switches feature polycarbonate as the top housing material. This means that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the switches to be compatible with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards they are used in. While they share the same top housing material, the V3 Cream Black Pro boasts a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown also utilizes nylon for the bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound.
Despite having the same top housing material, the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Brown differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the Jupiter Brown also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, ensuring a similar sound experience with a duller and rounder tone. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how each switch offers a unique typing experience based on the combination of materials used in their construction. Whether a user prefers a sharper sound profile with the V3 Cream Black Pro or a duller tone with the Jupiter Brown, both switches offer distinct qualities to cater to different preferences.
When examining the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes apparent that the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Brown provide a well-rounded typing experience. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, with nylon offering a deeper and more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile. By combining different housing materials for the top and bottom, both switches are able to provide a balanced typing experience that caters to a variety of preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch both have an actuation force of 55 grams, meaning that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Jupiter Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. The V3 Cream Black Pro provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown offers a slightly heavier push feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a quicker response time, ideal for gamers seeking faster reactions. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown provides a deeper key press experience, which some users may find more comfortable for typing or longer gaming sessions. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distance, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their preferences for typing or gaming.
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 Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 is characterized by a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, ideal for those who prefer a crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch's sound characteristics are not specified, so it may offer a different auditory experience. However, both switches' sound profiles can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard platform and keycaps used.
Moving on to the tactile feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is renowned for its creamy and bouncy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with spring-like feedback. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy and polished, providing a refined and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch is noted for its mild and polished tactile feel, offering a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The switch also features a stepped tactile sensation, providing a more nuanced keystroke experience with distinct stages.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch present unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Black Pro offers a high-pitched and poppy sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Jupiter Brown provides a more mild and polished sound profile along with a nuanced and smooth tactile experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a unique poppy and clacky sound with smooth keystrokes, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional tactile feel with a medium-heavy weight and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown could be the way to go. Both switches have their strengths in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what characteristics you prioritize in your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what features matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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