Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness present two distinct yet appealing options tailored to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, recognized for its creamy and high-pitched characteristics, excels as a budget-friendly choice for those seeking high-quality performance. Its unique poppy and clacky sound adds personality to each keystroke, while the switch's smooth action enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate a linear feel without any tactile bump. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness appeals to users desiring a tactile experience, offering a subtle to moderate bump that provides satisfying feedback with each press. Its balanced sound profile enhances the overall experience, particularly for those who enjoy a more pronounced sensation when typing. Both switches bring their own strengths to the table, catering to a variety of needs and preferences; 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
50g
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
3.40 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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness employ distinct materials for their top housings, which influence the auditory character of each switch. The V3 Cream Black Pro is crafted with a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its resonant qualities, making it especially appealing for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during use. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This material absorbs sound more effectively, yielding a rounder audio experience that differs significantly from the brighter tones associated with polycarbonate.
Conversely, both switch options utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a shared auditory characteristic. The impact of the bottom housing is crucial, as it significantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound when a key is pressed. With both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness utilizing nylon here, they share the advantage of a muted, fuller sound profile. This commonality allows users of either switch to experience a softer bottoming-out sensation, which contrasts the sharper auditory feedback provided by the top housings. Therefore, while the V3 Cream Black Pro may offer a more pronounced sound when releasing the key due to its polycarbonate top, both switches deliver a more muted experience during the actuation.
Overall, the combination of different materials in the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Gateron Weightlessness showcases how housing types can influence the sound and feel of a key switch. Users seeking a crisp and clear audio feedback may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro for its polycarbonate top housing, while those preferring a more subdued auditory feel could opt for the Weightlessness. Nevertheless, the familiarity in their nylon bottom housing fosters a sense of cohesion between the two switch designs, allowing for a consistent experience when it comes to the overall sound profile once the keys are pressed. Therefore, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, users can expect a satisfying tactile response from both switches due to their shared bottom housing composition.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch exhibit notable differences in actuation force, with the former requiring a push of 55 grams compared to the lighter 50 grams of the latter. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Weightlessness may provide a more comfortable experience. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly with the Akko's bottom out force of 65 grams. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro's higher bottom out force offers a more substantial feel, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a heavier key press. Consequently, if you favor a lighter switch, the Gateron is the better choice, while the Akko provides a firmer tactile experience for users who appreciate a heftier keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and overall typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness has a longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This slight difference means that gamers or users looking for a quick response might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cream Black Pro, as it allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience and greater tactile feedback. Both switches fall within a range that is shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for more modern, responsive usage, but the choice ultimately depends on whether one prefers the quickness of the Akko switch or the deeper feel of the Gateron switch.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 profiles of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the distinctions are notable. The V3 Cream Black Pro is characterized by its high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound. Users can expect a lively auditory experience, which is further enhanced by the unique poppy and clacky notes that these switches produce during typing. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Weightlessness switch remains relatively undefined in this context. However, it’s reasonable to anticipate that it would offer a balanced sound, aligning with its tactile characteristics, though specifics regarding tonal quality are not provided.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro excels with a strongly creamy typing experience that delivers smoothness and a buttery sensation, making each keypress feel effortless and fluid. This switch also considers elements like bounciness and snappiness, which contribute a spring-like and responsive quality to the typing experience, akin to a lively back-and-forth action with each keystroke. Conversely, the tactile nature of the Weightlessness switch is described as offering a subtle to moderate tactile feedback. While it likely provides some rewarding sensations during use, specific descriptors of its feel have not been noted, leaving ambiguity about how it measures up against the refined characteristics of the V3 Cream Black Pro.
To summarize, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out as a dynamic option with its high-pitched sound and a rich blend of creamy smoothness, bounce, and responsiveness, catering well to those seeking a vibrant typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness provides a unique tactile feedback that may appeal to users looking for something less pronounced but still engaging. Both switches can likely offer satisfying results, but the V3 Cream Black Pro is oriented towards those who appreciate pronounced auditory and tactile interactions, while the Weightlessness may fit a more subtle preference profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth, lively experience with a medium-heavy actuation that provides a satisfying pop as you type, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro will be the ideal match for you. Its creamy texture and polished finish contribute to a buttery feel, making it an excellent option for long typing sessions, gaming, or just about any keyboard activity where responsiveness and sound bring joy. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile feedback sensation without a specific bottom-out force and appreciate a subtle tactile feel while typing, the Gateron Weightlessness switch could be your go-to. Its balanced sound profile complements the tactile experience nicely, making it more suited for those who enjoy feeling each keystroke without overwhelming noise. Thus, your selection will depend on whether you prioritize the smoothness and sound signature of the Akko or the tactile feedback of the Gateron.
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