Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, there are key features that set them apart. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is praised for its budget-friendly price yet high-quality performance, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound with a smooth feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic is reinvigorating the clicky switch category with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a classic clicky sound with tactile feedback and smoothness. Both switches offer their own set of characteristics that appeal to different preferences and needs. 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Melodic switches are quite similar, as both feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches if you plan to use RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Black Pro also includes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Melodic's full polycarbonate construction. This difference in bottom housing materials may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Melodic switches provides a similar sound profile, emphasizing clarity and resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder bottom-out sound compared to the Melodic's fully polycarbonate construction. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a noticeable variation in typing feel between the switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Melodic switches may come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the V3 Cream Black Pro's inclusion of a nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the Melodic's full polycarbonate construction may provide a more consistent sound throughout the typing process. Consider your preferred sound and feel when deciding between these two switches.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, we can see differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a medium keystroke feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Melodic switch, as it has a slightly lighter bottom out force. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro may be the better choice with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Melodic clicky switch which has a travel distance of 4mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Melodic falls into the more common 4.0mm category while the V3 Cream Black Pro leans towards the shorter end at 3.3mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may opt for the Gateron Melodic with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 known for its high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, delivering a clean and sharp sound akin to stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Cream Black Pro offering a higher-pitched sound and the Melodic providing a more immersive and tactile auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Black Pro linear switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with spring-like feedback and super responsiveness. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Cream Black Pro focusing on smoothness and liveliness, while the Melodic emphasizes a uniform and immersive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch each have their own distinctive sound and feel characteristics. If you enjoy a high-pitched sound with a creamy and bouncy typing feel, the Cream Black Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, the Melodic switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer premium quality in their respective categories, so you can expect similar levels of performance and satisfaction regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a high-pitched sound profile, and a creamy and bouncy typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a resonant and crunchy sound profile, and a buttery and invigorating typing experience, the Gateron Melodic could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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