Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer compelling options for users who appreciate linear switches, but each has its distinctive appeal. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is designed for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking a high-quality experience, delivering a satisfying combination of a poppy and clacky sound profile with a smooth keystroke that feels responsive and lively. Its unique characteristics are described as "creamy," "high-pitched," "bouncy," "snappy," and "polished," making it an attractive choice for users who enjoy tactile feedback and a playful typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, known for its medium-weight feel, breaks traditional price barriers while boasting a thocky sound profile, which contributes to its premium feel despite being budget-friendly. This switch prioritizes exceptional smoothness, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, providing a high-quality 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie employ distinct materials in their top housings, which directly influence their sound profiles and responsiveness. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is further enhanced when utilized with RGB lighting, as the clarity of polycarbonate allows for vibrant visual effects. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made from POM (Polyoxymethylene), which contributes to a deeper, more muted sound due to its softer characteristics. While both materials serve their purpose well, the stark difference in sound profile can affect a typist's experience, with the V3 offering a more resonant and lively auditory feedback, while the Sea Salt provides a richer, more subdued output.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals additional contrasts, though with some similarities. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which is widely recognized for delivering a fuller, deeper sound profile that absorbs noise and creates a rounded auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is also made of POM. While POM is noted for its unique sound qualities, its deeper and muted characteristics echo the nylon's impact on the overall sound. As such, both switches may share a common attribute in the richness of tone generated from their bottom housings, particularly when pressed down. This means that if one were to prioritize a rounder, fuller sound when bottoming out, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Sea Salt Smoothie would serve the user well.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie demonstrates how sound is shaped by each component. While the V3’s polycarbonate top housing delivers clarity and brightness upon release, contrasting with the Sea Salt’s POM top housing, which emphasizes warmth and depth, both designs complement their respective bottom housings to create unique auditory landscapes. In conclusion, typists can expect different total experiences when using each switch, shaped by the respective materials in both the top and bottom housings, yet both switches could induce a satisfying tactile experience and pleasing sound overall, albeit with their distinctive signatures.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that can affect user experience. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a firmer actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This heavier force may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, particularly in a work or gaming setting where prolonged use is common. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, which makes it easier to press and thus potentially less tiring for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, making it challenging to fully assess its tactile feedback upon bottoming out. Overall, if you prefer a lighter feel with quicker actuation, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the better choice, whereas those who favor a stronger push feel might lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches, there is a notable difference. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. For those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Black Pro may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation, which is particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie's 3.7 mm travel distance may be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper keystroke experience, avoiding the abrupt feel that can come with shorter switches. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 switches deliver a high-pitched, sharp, and clacky sound profile that many users find engaging. This sound can enhance the typing experience, adding an audible layer of feedback. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while specific details about its sound profile are absent, is known to produce a thocky sound. The thocky characterization typically leans towards a deeper and more resonant quality, which contrasts with the higher notes of the V3 Cream Black Pro. It’s crucial to bear in mind that sound perception can be significantly influenced by the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials, which means both switches can deliver satisfying auditory experiences depending on the context.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro shines with its creamy texture, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This is augmented further by a bouncy characteristic, giving a lively sensation with each keystroke, and polished finishes that result in reduced friction for a seamless typing journey. These switches also feel snappy, responding quickly as you press, fostering an engaging typing rhythm. Although specific descriptions for the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are unknown, it is designed to provide a premium experience at an affordable price point, which suggests it might offer a level of smoothness that aligns it closely with the V3 Cream Black Pro.
Ultimately, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches hold their ground well in the competitive mechanical keyboard space. While they offer different sound profiles—high-pitched clack versus thocky depth—they both aim to provide a high-quality typing experience. The Cream Black Pro’s rich sensory characteristics like creaminess, bounce, and snappiness could make it exceptionally pleasurable for those who appreciate tactile feedback, while the Sea Salt Smoothie, while lacking detailed descriptors, still promises smooth functionality. If you’re leaning towards either, you’re sure to enjoy a fulfilling typing experience that matches your specific preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch with a unique poppy and clacky sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro could be an excellent fit for you. Its creamy, bouncy, and polished feel provides a smooth and engaging typing experience, which is particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate tactile feedback and might want a bit of auditory excitement while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound profile and an ultra-smooth keystroke without the hassle of excessive actuation force, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out as a great choice, especially for users seeking a more subtle auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the balance of sound and feel that aligns with your own typing habits and aesthetic preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored just for you.
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