Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko Cream Blue Pro V3 is renowned for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, coupled with a smooth tactile sensation, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a lively feedback experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump, ideal for users who prefer a more subdued typing feel. While the Akko switch is characterized as accentuated, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Gateron switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and stepped. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches share some similarities when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it allows the light to shine through. This similarity means that both switches will offer a similar auditory and visual experience when it comes to the top housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their nylon bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown's nylon bottom housing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The differences in the bottom housing material between the two switches will impact the overall typing experience, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a slightly more muted and rounded sound compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the difference in housing materials in the V3 Cream Blue Pro and G Pro 3.0 Brown switches will be most noticeable when pressing down on the keys. The qualities of the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the sound and feel when bottoming out a key, while the top housing material will affect the sound when lifting a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings creates a unique typing experience for each switch, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it is clear that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown's 55 grams. Similarly, the V3 Cream Blue Pro also has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown's 63 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a lighter typing experience overall. However, both switches fall within the medium range, so while the G Pro 3.0 Brown is slightly heavier, users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Akko switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Gateron switch may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference. Ultimately, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for quick responses, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is the better option, but if you prefer a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 Blue Pro switches are best described as having a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively auditory feedback that pairs well with their creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches offer a medium-high pitch sound that adds a satisfying auditory component to your typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance your overall typing experience, but the specific sound you prefer will ultimately depend on personal preference and the keyboard setup you have.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming but still offers a significant level of tactility. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are described as easy-to-press, mild, and stepped, offering a gentle resistance during key presses and a more subtle tactile experience. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience with their unique characteristics, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feel.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches both offer budget-friendly options without compromising on quality. The Akko switches excel in providing a distinct sound profile and a smooth tactile sensation, while the Gateron switches focus on gentle resistance and a subtle tactile feedback. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different keyboards may be the best way to determine which one suits your preferences and typing style the most.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a distinct poppy sound profile and smooth tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a subtle tactile sensation and easy-to-press keys that reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch may be more suitable for your needs. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when making your decision.
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