Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade. The Akko Cream Black Pro, a linear switch, appeals to budget-minded individuals in search of quality, boasting a delightful poppy and clacky sound accompanied by a notably smooth feel. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a responsive typing experience that balances performance with affordability. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, is tailored for enthusiasts seeking a superior typing experience, particularly suited for upgrading a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Known for its bright and clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade offers enhanced acoustics, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize auditory feedback. While both switches bring unique strengths to the table - one focusing on affordability and smoothness and the other on advanced technology and sound - understanding the nuances between them is key to making the right choice. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In examining the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, it is noteworthy that both models utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. The inherent properties of polycarbonate contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for users who appreciate a crisper audio experience while typing. This material also enhances the visual appeal, especially for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for optimal light diffusion. The similarities in the top housing materials mean that both switches will offer similar auditory outcomes when the keys are released, highlighting their compatibility in sound characteristics for users seeking that bright sound escape.
On the bottom housing front, both switches use nylon, which dramatically contrasts the properties of polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and more resonant sound profile when the keys are pressed down. This characteristic provides a rounder auditory experience that complements the sharper tones from the polycarbonate tops. Consequently, despite identical material choices for the bottom housings, the switches achieve a unique blend of sound profiles due to the distinct qualities of their top and bottom materials. This pairing allows typists to experience a full body sound during keystrokes, while still benefiting from the articulated sound when releasing the keys.
Ultimately, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches share material traits that create a coherent sound experience overall. The combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both switches produces a layered auditory effect; the sharper sound of the polycarbonate resonates during key release, while the nylon delivers a robust sound upon bottoming out. Users can anticipate similar experiences between these two models, rooted in their shared use of materials and the acoustic interplay between sharper highs and full-bodied lows. This harmonized approach to sound design creates an engaging typing experience, appealing to a wide range of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade features a much lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for those who enjoy a less strenuous typing experience, perfect for extended use during work or gaming sessions. Consequently, the V3 Cream Black Pro is geared toward users seeking a medium-heavy switch with more resistance, while the Magnetic Jade caters to those who favor a medium-light switch for its ease of use. These force differences highlight the individual preferences for switch weight in typing experiences, as users can choose between a more robust feel or a lighter touch based on their needs.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This suggests that if you opt for the V3 Cream Black Pro, you'll experience a shorter and potentially more responsive feel, making it more suitable for gamers who prioritize quick keypresses. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade's 3.5 mm travel may provide a more substantial depth, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus a deeper key feel, making them distinct choices in the realm of keyboard switches.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 sound profiles of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switches, both switch types exhibit a bright and clacky sound signature. The V3 Cream Black Pro produces a high-pitched, sharp sound that can appeal to those who prefer more treble-focused acoustics, while the Magnetic Jade’s bright and clacky sound contributes to a similar auditory experience, particularly on the Wooting Hall Effect keyboard setup, making them both capable of delivering a satisfying auditory feedback. However, other factors, such as the choice of keyboard construction and keycaps, will also affect how prominent these sound qualities are in practice.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches are celebrated for their creamy and polished finish, offering a luxurious, buttery typing experience that glides seamlessly with each keypress. They also feature a bouncy and snappy characteristic, giving tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing engagement. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are not specified, leaving a gap in direct comparison. Nevertheless, it's plausible to expect that the Magnetic Jade's design will provide a distinct typing experience that may or may not mimic some of the desirable traits found in the Cream Black Pro.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches present compelling options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, especially in regards to sound. The V3 Cream Black Pro shines with its high-pitched clackiness and a luxurious typing feel, while the Magnetic Jade also offers a bright auditory signature but lacks detailed descriptions of its feel, making it difficult to gauge direct comparisons on that front. For those seeking similar sound qualities, either option should satisfy, but tactile feedback might differ more notably, warranting personal testing to determine which aligns better with individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience, appreciate a high-pitched and clacky sound, and favor a smooth, creamy tactile feedback, the V3 Cream Black Pro is an excellent choice—especially for those on a budget looking for quality without compromising performance. These switches excel when you want a robust, satisfying typing experience that feels both snappy and polished. On the other hand, if you're seeking a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 55 grams and a desire for enhanced acoustics, you would likely prefer the Gateron Magnetic Jade. Their bright and clacky sound makes them a fantastic option, especially for those looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. The Magnetic Jade switches are perfect for users who prioritize a responsive, refined typing feel that suits a range of applications, from gaming to extensive writing sessions. In the end, your choice will hinge on the tactile and auditory qualities that resonate most with your individual typing style.
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