Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options illustrate this diversity well: the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Glory Red. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch celebrated for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory feedback alongside a creamy tactile sensation—perfect for enthusiasts who savor an engaging typing experience. Its bouncy, snappy characteristics make it appealing for those who enjoy a lively touch with their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red, a linear switch, emphasizes smoothness and consistency, delivering a lighter keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that caters to those who prefer a quieter, more fluid typing experience. While the Cream Blue Pro may be the go-to for users who thrive on tactile feedback, the Glory Red appeals to those seeking simplicity and speed. Each switch offers a unique set of advantages, tailored to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Glory Red, a notable distinction arises from their top housings. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. This is particularly beneficial for enhancing the experience of RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Glory Red employs a nylon top housing, which is known for imparting a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. The nylon material absorbs more sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic profile. This difference in material not only affects the auditory experience but also the aesthetic versatility when using RGB lighting in keyboards.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similar sound profiles in that area. Nylon's inherent qualities contribute to a softer, fuller typing experience inherent to both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Glory Red. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and overall feel, users will experience a consistent and cushioned response regardless of which switch they choose. This shared use of nylon in the bottom housing is pivotal for achieving a uniform sound and tactile feedback, which is often vital for typing comfort and performance, making both switches appealing to users who prioritize a deeper voice in their keystrokes.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron Glory Red exhibit contrasting characteristics with their respective top housings, their similar nylon bottom housings bridge a gap in sound and feel, offering a unique synthesis of auditory experiences. Users can expect to feel the marked differences each top housing brings to the table—crispness versus fullness—while still benefiting from the rich acoustic qualities provided by the nylon bottoms. Therefore, those who prioritize these qualities will find that, despite some contrasts, both switches deliver satisfying typing experiences through their shared material choice for the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch with the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both require a moderate amount of force to register a keypress, making them suitable for those who prefer a balance between ease of use and tactile feedback. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which reveals that it offers a slightly heavier overall resistance when fully pressed, enhancing the typing experience for users who favor a more substantial feel. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red does not have a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to ascertain how it compares in terms of resistance during maximum press. Thus, while the actuation forces are the same, the discrepancies in bottom out force suggest that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the heavier option overall, which might be preferred by those seeking a firmer feeling with their keystrokes. For users who prioritize longer typing sessions or lighter mechanics, the common actuation force might suggest a similar experience between the two, but the differences in bottom out forces could lead to distinct preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, we find that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Glory Red measures 3.6 mm. This makes the V3 Cream Blue Pro the shorter option, offering a snappier feel that gamers often favor for quicker response times. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red's longer travel distance of 3.6 mm provides a more substantial depth that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, those looking for a more responsive keypress would likely prefer the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, whereas those who enjoy a deeper travel experience might opt for the Gateron Glory Red.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 presents a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile that many enthusiasts find particularly engaging. This auditory feedback adds a lively character to the typing experience, making every keystroke feel significant. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switches are characterized by their smooth sound, which tends to be quieter and more subdued compared to the Cream Blue Pro. This similarity in sound quality, while differing in character, means that both switches can deliver enjoyable auditory experiences, albeit with different vibes based on the user’s preference for expressiveness versus subtlety.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches excel with their medium tactile feedback, offering an accented response that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle. Their bouncy and snappy characteristics enhance this tactile journey, providing lively rebound and responsiveness that make typing feel dynamic and enjoyable. The polished finish further contributes to a smooth key travel experience. However, the Gateron Glory Red switches are known for their effortless smoothness and pleasing travel distance, which makes them very accessible for users who prioritize a linear feel without the tactile bump. While the tactile feedback differs significantly—evident in the Cream Blue Pro’s pronounced tactility versus the clean linearity of the Glory Red—both can provide satisfying experiences tailored to specific typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron Glory Red switches cater to different types of mechanical keyboard users. The Cream Blue Pro shines with its engaging sound and a medium tactile feel that offers a lively typing experience, while the Glory Red presents a smooth and quieter option geared towards users who appreciate linear switches. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can be a great choice, providing a distinct yet satisfying typing experience tailored to individual tastes.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lively and audible typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and pronounced tactile feedback. Its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, combined with a bouncy and polished feel, is ideal for gamers and typists who crave that tactile engagement and still want a smooth action. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother experience, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch could be more suitable, as it offers a seamless keystroke without any tactile bump, allowing for rapid and uninterrupted typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactility or a sleek, smooth keypress without sound. Evaluate your typing needs and the environment in which you’ll be using your mechanical keyboard to determine which switch aligns best with your personal preferences.
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