Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note the distinct characteristics that set each apart. The V3 Cream Black Pro is renowned for its budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound with smooth actuation. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound, providing unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch. While the Cream Black Pro may appeal to those seeking a creamy, high-pitched, and bouncy experience, the Smoothie Silver caters to users looking for a shorter travel distance and a faster response time. 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
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
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer different sound profiles due to their materials. The V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have their unique benefits, with polycarbonate allowing for a clear and resonant sound, especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, and POM providing a pleasing and unique deep sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and sound absorption qualities. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing contributes to the switch's overall sound profile, offering a deep and relatively muted sound. While both switches have differing bottom housing materials, they both provide a rounder and duller sound profile compared to their top housing counterparts.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches play a crucial role in determining their sound profiles. While the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, creating a sharp and clear sound on top and a deeper and fuller sound on the bottom, the Smoothie Silver opts for POM in both top and bottom housings, resulting in a unique and pleasing deep sound profile throughout. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper and more muted tone, both switches offer distinct options to cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a higher bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The heavier actuation force of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro provides a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter actuation force of the Gateron Smoothie Silver allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches offer different tactile feels due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences of users.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to some users, as they are both relatively short. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter or slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so you can expect similar results in terms of typing or gaming 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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 comparing the sound of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the V3 Cream Black Pro is known for its high-pitched, poppy, and clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch is described as thocky, but further details are unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Black Pro is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation and a super responsive feel. Conversely, details on the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch are not provided. It is worth mentioning that both switches emphasize smoothness in their descriptions, indicating a focus on providing a pleasant typing experience.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch aim to deliver a smooth typing experience with different sound profiles. While the V3 Cream Black Pro has a more defined high-pitched sound and offers a creamy and bouncy feel, the specific qualities of the Smoothie Silver switch remain undisclosed. It is important for newcomers to consider their personal preferences in terms of sound and feel when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, as these qualities can greatly impact the overall typing experience. Furthermore, experimenting with different switches on various keyboards and keycap combinations can also provide unique results, potentially leading to similar outcomes regardless of the switch chosen.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force, a unique poppy and clacky sound, and notable smoothness, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bottom out force of None grams, lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch would be the better choice for you. It all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
