Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is praised for its budget-friendly nature and high-quality build, providing a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound paired with smoothness. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red boasts a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation and softer backlight effects. While the Cream Black Pro V3 leans towards a bouncy and snappy feel, the Jupiter Reds offer a silky and mild 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
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 Red, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards. As such, the sound and visual experience provided by the top housing of these switches are likely to be quite similar.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Black Pro employs nylon, while the Gateron Jupiter Red also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Despite both switches using the same material for the bottom housing, the properties of nylon still play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows for a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, even though the housing materials are the same for the bottom housing, the typing experience may still vary slightly between the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red.
In conclusion, while the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red share similarities in their top housing material of polycarbonate, the differences in their bottom housing material of nylon may lead to slightly different typing experiences. The V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing may provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gateron Jupiter Red's nylon bottom housing could offer a similar typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is on the heavier side compared to the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch. The V3 Cream Black Pro has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classified as medium. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jupiter Red would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate the keys. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro would provide a stronger push experience. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individual preferences based on weight.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red switch provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or general use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press experience.
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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is characterized by its high-pitched and sharp sound profile, which may appeal to individuals seeking a more crisp auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate and versatile auditory feedback suitable for various typing environments. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches in terms of sound will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Regarding feel, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Jupiter Red switches share similar characteristics such as a creamy and polished typing experience. Users can expect a smooth and refined feel with reduced friction and effortless key travel when using either of these switches. The V3 Cream Black Pro also offers a bouncy and snappy typing sensation, providing a lively and responsive feedback, while the Jupiter Red switch is described as silky and mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Overall, users can anticipate a pleasurable typing experience with either switch option, depending on their desired level of feedback and responsiveness.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the V3 Cream Black Pro excels in providing a high-pitched and bouncy typing experience, the Jupiter Red stands out for its neutral sound profile and silky typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound pitch and typing feel, users can confidently choose either switch option knowing they will receive a high-quality and satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when making a decision between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, you should consider your preferences in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a high-pitched sound profile and a creamy, bouncy, snappy feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a polished, creamy, silky feel, the Jupiter Red may be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and it boils down to personal preference in sound and feel when choosing between the two.
Mentioned in this article
