Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gazzew LT mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is known for its budget-friendly option with high-quality features, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound along with a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches stand out with their deep, resonant thockiness and seamless glide with each keystroke. While the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is categorized as creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Gazzew LT is described as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gazzew LT both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material is relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound profile that is enhanced by its translucency for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Gazzew LT utilizes a proprietary plastic blend for its top housing, known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both materials offer distinct advantages, the polycarbonate of the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a crisper sound, while the Gazzew LT's blend offers a deeper tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Black Pro uses nylon, which is a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience for the user. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT also features a proprietary plastic blend, similar to its top housing, which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. This "boba plastic" material is soft and complements the top housing for a cohesive sound experience. While both switches offer different housing materials for the top and bottom, they both prioritize creating a satisfying sound and feel for the user.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Gazzew LT each bring unique characteristics to the switches that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, crisper sound profile, enhanced by its translucency for RGB lighting effects, while the Gazzew LT's proprietary plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Both switches prioritize sound quality, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the key release sound. While the materials may differ, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Black Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 55 grams to trigger a keystroke compared to the LT's unknown actuation force. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 65 grams, which provides a medium-heavy typing experience. The V3 Cream Black Pro would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the LT may appeal to those who desire a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight and typing experience, individuals can expect similar results with both switches due to their shared bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and the typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the LT has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Gazzew LT linear switch would provide a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Gazzew LT, while those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their key presses may lean towards the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the market for their responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press feel and speed.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, we find distinct differences in sound and feel. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a high-pitched sound profile with a smooth, creamy feel that provides a buttery typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew LT switch produces a bassy, thocky sound with a seamless glide, although specifics on feel are unknown. Overall, the V3 Cream Black Pro is more known for its poppy and clacky sound combined with a smooth and effortless typing experience, while the Gazzew LT offers a deep, resonant thockiness with a seamless glide, making it a unique choice for those seeking a different auditory feedback. If you prefer a high-pitched, creamy sound with a smooth feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the ideal choice, while the Gazzew LT switch would be preferred for its bassy, thocky sound and seamless glide. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch or the Gazzew LT linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a unique poppy and clacky sound, smooth keystrokes, and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, resonant thocky sound, a lilac-colored switch, and a smooth glide with every keystroke, then the Gazzew LT linear switch might be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to choose based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
