Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, smoothness, and bouncy tactile sensation, making it a great choice for those who enjoy audible feedback and a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch with a light actuation force, providing effortless and responsive keystrokes for delicate typists. The G Pro White also offers brighter RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for their ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal. The similarities in the top housing material of these two switches suggest that users can expect a similar sound profile and typing experience when it comes to the top housing component.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 White also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a more muffled and rounded sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Both switches benefit from the use of nylon in the bottom housing, providing consistency in sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
Despite the similarities in the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White, the impact of each material differs between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing material has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction showcases how the combination of different housing materials in a switch can create a unique typing experience by balancing the qualities of each material in different aspects of the key press.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, which has an actuation force of 38 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro requires 55 grams of force, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White only needs 45 grams. Therefore, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is lighter both in terms of actuation and bottom out force. This difference in weight can impact typing experience, with the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a more substantial push feel, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White providing a lighter touch that may be preferable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, we find that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 White has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference of 0.7 mm may not seem significant, but it can make a noticeable impact on typing feel and performance. For those who prefer a quicker response time, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch with its longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 White 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 White 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, which provides a lively and audible feedback that is accompanied by a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as having a medium-high pitch that offers a satisfying auditory feedback, making it a great option for those who enjoy a brighter sound with a light actuation force of 38g. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Akko switch leaning towards a more pronounced and tactile sound, while the Gateron switch provides a lighter and more subtle auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is characterized by its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium amount of tactility. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle, providing a buttery and light typing feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches excel in delivering a pleasant typing experience, with the Akko switch emphasizing tactility and responsiveness, while the Gateron switch focuses on smoothness and ease of actuation.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Akko switch provides a more pronounced and tactile sound with a lively tactile sensation, the Gateron switch delivers a smoother and buttery sound with a light actuation force. Both switches excel in their respective qualities, offering users a diverse range of options to choose from based on their preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, whether you prefer a more tactile and pronounced typing experience or a smoother and lighter touch, both switches provide exceptional performance in their own right, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you appreciate a lively and audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, along with a medium-light bottom out force, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly light actuation force for effortless and sensitive keystrokes, accompanied by a bright RGB lighting and medium-high pitch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
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