Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that offers a blend of poppy and clacky sound profile with a smooth and tactile sensation, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy audible feedback with a creamy feel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly excellence, providing a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy feel. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is accented and snappy, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is polished and high-pitched. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding a visually striking element to the overall design. The similarities in the top housing material contribute to a consistent sound profile across both switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate used in the top housing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience characterized by its distinct sound profile.
Overall, the housing materials of both switches play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of each key press. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings highlight their respective impacts on the overall typing experience. While the polycarbonate top housing contributes to the sharp and clear sound profile when releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing enhances the deeper and fuller sound when pressing down on a key. These differences in housing materials add to the unique typing experience offered by the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro requires 55 grams to fully press down, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow needs 67 grams. This makes the V3 Cream Blue Pro the lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces can greatly impact the typing experience and should be considered based on personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Individuals who prefer a faster response time may opt for the V3 Cream Blue Pro due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press and more depth may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing or gaming 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 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 tactile switch offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that provides an audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch produces a higher-pitched clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different user preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro delivering a more balanced and lively sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a sharper and resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch provides a bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience that is accented with a medium level of tactility, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation that allows for smooth key travel with reduced friction. Both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, with the Cream Blue Pro focusing more on a lively and responsive feel, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivers a silky and effortless keystroke sensation.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches both offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Cream Blue Pro is ideal for those seeking a balanced and lively tactile typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is perfect for users looking for a sharp and smooth linear typing sensation. Depending on individual preferences, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either of these budget-friendly switches, as they provide excellent quality and performance within their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation at a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile with a fairly bouncy feel at a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, then the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing experience and the specific characteristics that align with your preferences in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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