Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately depends on what you value most in your typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is perfect for budget-conscious users who prioritize a unique and satisfying tactile feedback with a poppy and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is ideal for those who require a quiet typing environment without sacrificing the smoothness and cushiony feel of their keystrokes. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
One key difference between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black is the material used in their top housing. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. While both materials contribute to a pleasing sound profile, the polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Black Pro may result in a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black.
In terms of bottom housing material, both switches also differ. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which offers a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile as its top housing. While the nylon bottom housing in the V3 Cream Black Pro may contribute to a rounder and duller sound, the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black maintains a consistently clacky sound throughout.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, both switches showcase their unique sound profiles due to the combination of their top and bottom housing materials. The V3 Cream Black Pro's utilization of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing results in a balanced sound profile with a clear and resonant tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housing offers a consistent, clacky sound profile that is satisfying to many users. Overall, while the materials may vary, both switches deliver quality sound experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch both fall into the medium-heavy category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro is the lighter of the two, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Silent Ink Black is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Silent Ink Black would be the preferred option. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the slight difference in force levels can cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for speed and precision in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a deeper travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a shorter travel distance for faster responses, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black provides a longer travel distance for a more traditional typing 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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 characterized by its high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted and softer sound, ideal for environments where quieter typing is necessary. While the Cream Black Pro leans towards a sharper sound, the Silent Ink Black offers a more subdued auditory experience. Both switches deliver distinct sound profiles tailored to different preferences, with the Cream Black Pro being more pronounced and the Silent Ink Black being more discreet.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro exhibits a creamy and bouncy typing experience, characterized by a smooth and buttery sensation with a lively feedback. This switch is known for its polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and seamless key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a premium typing experience with different tactile attributes, catering to individuals seeking either a more cushioned and bouncy feel or a silky and refined touch.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Black Pro is characterized by its high-pitched and creamy typing experience with a sharp sound profile, the Silent Ink Black provides a muted and silky feel tailored for quieter typing environments. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the unique attributes of each switch to enhance their mechanical keyboard typing experience. Both switches deliver high-quality performance in their respective sound and feel characteristics, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, you should consider your priorities. If you value a unique poppy and clacky sound with smoothness, the V3 Cream Black Pro is a great choice for budget-conscious individuals. On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience with a pillow-like bottom-out feel, the Silent Ink Black is ideal for environments where noise reduction is essential. Additionally, consider the sound and feel characteristics that best suit your preferences, whether you prefer a high-pitched sound and a creamy, bouncy typing experience, or a muted sound and a silky, polished feel. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your specific needs and preferences to enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
