Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out for its tactile feedback and budget-friendly price point. Known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, these switches offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience, making them ideal for users who enjoy both auditory feedback and tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches are designed for gaming enthusiasts seeking lightning-fast responsiveness and value. With a shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting, these switches enhance your gaming setup while providing a competitive edge. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Partial box
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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The V3 Cream Blue Pro and the G Pro 3.0 Silver both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, making typing on the V3 Cream Blue Pro a unique experience.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, they differ in their bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in sound profiles adds a different tactile feel and auditory experience to each switch. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch influences the overall sound and feel when typing, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the V3 Cream Blue Pro and G Pro 3.0 Silver showcase how different housing materials can influence the sound and feel of a switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. The choice of housing materials in a switch can affect the overall typing experience, with softer plastics like nylon absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound profile. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help enthusiasts choose switches that best suit their preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro requires 55 grams while the G Pro 3.0 Silver only needs 50 grams, making the G Pro 3.0 Silver slightly lighter for a more effortless typing experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a medium-light feel, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a lighter touch, which may be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. Ultimately, the weight of a switch is a personal preference, with some favoring a lighter touch for increased comfort and others opting for a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, we find that the Cream Blue Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. While both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is slightly longer than the Cream Blue Pro. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver may provide a slightly more pronounced key press sensation compared to the Cream Blue Pro. However, overall, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. As such, both switches are likely to provide similar results in terms of responsiveness, with the main difference being the slightly longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively auditory feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound, creating a deeper and richer tone during key presses. While the Cream Blue Pro switches focus on a more tactile and audible experience, the G Pro Silver switches provide a different auditory element with their medium-high pitch and frosted light diffuser to enhance the overall gaming experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for being accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a tactile and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Both switches bring a level of tactile and smoothness to the typing experience, allowing for comfortable and responsive use during gaming or everyday typing tasks.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switches and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Blue Pro switches focus on a lively and tactile typing experience with a distinct sound profile, the G Pro Silver switches prioritize a smooth and uniform typing sensation with a deeper and richer sound profile. Depending on personal preference and intended use, both switches provide quality options for individuals seeking an enhanced mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, users can expect satisfying results from either switch, as both offer a mix of tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes for an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, consider your priorities carefully. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a distinctive and tactile typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, combined with a poppy and clacky sound profile, makes it ideal for users who enjoy a lively feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast responsiveness and exceptional gaming performance without breaking the bank, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch with its light 50-gram bottom out force and shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific preferences and needs in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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