Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Gateron Mars offer compelling yet distinct options for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out as a budget-friendly choice that doesn't compromise on quality, delivering a delightful poppy and clacky sound profile along with a smooth typing experience. It's characterized by its creamy feel, high-pitched acoustics, and a bouncy, snappy responsiveness that can elevate both gaming and typing. On the other hand, Gateron Mars switches introduce a more innovative design with their POK stem and a housing crafted from a unique blend of Nylon and POM, promising durability and a distinct feel that sets them apart. While the Akko switches cater to those who appreciate a lively auditory feedback and a polished touch, the Gateron Mars switches may appeal to users looking for something different, blending performance with cutting-edge materials. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches and the Gateron Mars switches, a key difference lies in the composition of the top housing. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clearer resonance, making it particularly favorable for enhancing the auditory experience of RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Mars employs nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The characteristics of nylon as a softer plastic lead to greater sound absorption, which dampens the sharpness that polycarbonate brings. Hence, while both switches may deliver satisfying auditory feedback, the texture and clarity of the sound produced through the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Mars will be markedly different.
In terms of bottom housings, there is another notable contrast between the two switches. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which complements the sound profile by providing a deeper and rounder auditory experience. This aligns with the characteristics typical of nylon, where the material absorbs sound and results in a more muted output. Conversely, the Gateron Mars features POM (polyoxymethylene) as its bottom housing. POM is known for its smoothness and durability, generating a unique sound profile that leans towards a deeper and more muted resonance. Although the bottom housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro and the POM bottom of the Mars both yield deeper sound profiles, POM's distinct properties add a different texture to the acoustics, allowing each switch to maintain its unique sound identity even when categorized within similar auditory spectra.
Ultimately, the differences between the top and bottom housing materials of both switches illustrate how each component influences the overall typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, combines a sharp top-end clarity with deep, rounded lows, resulting in a well-rounded auditory feedback mechanism. Meanwhile, the Gateron Mars, with its nylon top and POM bottom, presents its own unique blend of sound qualities, favoring deeper tones while maintaining the softer auditory qualities of nylon. If one were to seek similar results from both types of switches, they would need to find a balance in their usage, perhaps leveraging the strengths of both top and bottom housings to create a satisfactory typing experience that resonates with their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, distinct differences emerge that cater to various preferences. The V3 Cream Black Pro features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom-out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy feel that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor less effort in keystrokes, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom-out force for the Mars switch is not specified, leaving that aspect unknown. Despite this, the lighter Mars switch contrasts with the heavier V3 Cream Black Pro, illustrating how different actuation forces can influence user preference in keyboard feel and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there is a notable difference. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Mars has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that for users seeking a snappier response, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing. Conversely, the Gateron Mars, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying and deeper keystroke experience for those who appreciate a pronounced actuation feel. Overall, this distinction highlights the preference dynamics between quicker response times and a more tactile typing 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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 exhibits a high-pitched, poppy quality that results in a sharp and crisp acoustic experience during typing. This distinctive sound profile can engage users who enjoy a more vivid auditory feedback while they type, especially when contrasting with heavier, bass-oriented switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches do not have a definitive sound profile described, which introduces some uncertainty. However, it’s essential to note that the overall acoustic performance of any switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's design and the choice of keycaps, which can help users achieve a sound experience to their liking.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches excel with a range of attributes that enhance the typing experience. They are creamy, providing a smooth and buttery sensation that makes each keystroke feel effortless. This smoothness is complemented by a bouncy aspect, offering a responsive, spring-like feedback that adds enjoyable dynamism to typing. Additionally, the polished finish ensures minimal friction, allowing fingers to glide seamlessly over the keys. Unfortunately, the subjective qualities of the Gateron Mars switches are not specified, so we cannot compare their feel directly. However, the experience of typing can be similarly nuanced depending on the switch's design and materials.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Gateron Mars switches present unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The V3 Cream Black Pro stands out with its high-pitched sound and an outstandingly smooth feel enhanced by bounciness and polish, making it a strong contender for those who appreciate auditory feedback and tactile enjoyment. Although the Gateron Mars lacks detailed descriptions regarding its sound and feel, the right choice between these switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences and what qualities are prioritized in the typing experience. If users value the sound and feel of the V3 Cream Black Pro, they may find the Mars to deliver similar sensations depending on its design and materials used.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, it's important to consider your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you are seeking a switch that delivers a robust, medium-heavy feel with a delightful high-pitched sound and an impressively creamy and snappy typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro is an excellent choice, especially if you're a budget-conscious individual who appreciates quality. These switches are particularly suited for both typing and gaming due to their bouncy and polished nature, which can enhance your overall user experience. On the other hand, if you are drawn to innovative designs and prioritize a switch that combines unique materials for durability and smoothness, the Gateron Mars may pique your interest. While specifics about its feel and sound characteristics are less detailed, if you prefer experimenting with new technology and are open to a different tactile experience, the Mars could be worth considering. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value the established performance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro or the innovative promise offered by the Gateron Mars.
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