Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to ponder are the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, a linear switch, and the Gateron Mountain Top, also a linear switch. The Akko Cream Black Pro V3 switches are favored for their budget-friendly price point, impressive sound profile with a poppy and clacky tone, and exceptional smoothness. On the other hand, Gateron's Mountain Top switches are designed with office environments in mind, offering a quiet yet satisfying typing experience that is ideal for professional settings. While the Cream Black Pro V3 is characterized by its 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', and 'Bouncy' feel, the Mountain Top switch boasts qualities like 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Subtle'. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top both have unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This allows for a more resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate housing of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use nylon as the material. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The qualities of the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a consistent typing experience across both switches. However, the top housing of the switches, with polycarbonate for the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and nylon for the Gateron Mountain Top, will have a different impact on the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing will contribute to a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing will produce a duller and rounder sound.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top may differ in terms of top housing, they both provide a unique sound profile based on the properties of their materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro creates a sharper and clearer sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the Gateron Mountain Top produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a consistent typing experience with nylon bottom housings that absorb sound for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, the main difference lies 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 typing experience. In contrast, the Mountain Top boasts a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more lightweight option. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro would be better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Mountain Top would be ideal for users who enjoy a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding typing force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for quicker response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant in terms of feel, but some users may notice a slightly crisper actuation on the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro compared to the Gateron Mountain Top. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch provides a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a more neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement that is suitable for various settings. The sound produced by each switch also depends on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual preferences may vary.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its creamy and bouncy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with a lively feedback when pressed. The switch is described as polished, providing a refined and sleek typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press typing feel, with a mild and subtle resistance that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches feature snappy responsiveness, making typing feel more dynamic and lively.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer different sound and feel characteristics, they both aim to provide a high-quality typing experience tailored to specific preferences. Depending on whether you prefer a high-pitched and creamy sound with a bouncy and polished feel, or a neutral sound with an easy-to-press and mild typing sensation, you can achieve similar results with either switch based on your personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that offers a unique poppy and clacky sound paired with notable smoothness, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force for a quieter typing experience that is suitable for office environments, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch would be the better choice. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when deciding between these two switches to ensure you find the one that best suits your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing environments.
Mentioned in this article
