Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Glory Yellow offer contrasting experiences that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, with its tactile feedback and distinct poppy sound, is ideal for typists who relish an engaging auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile sensation. Its bouncing, snappy response enhances the typing experience, making it a fantastic option for users who enjoy lively feedback without compromising on quality or budget. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow, known for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, appeals to those who prioritize a stealthy, seamless typing experience. Its linear design provides a softer touch without the audible click, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments or extended gaming sessions. Both switches have their merits, catering to different niches within the mechanical keyboard community. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches, one can immediately notice the contrasting choices for the top housings. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, clearer sound profile due to its rigidity. This material allows for enhanced resonance, contributing to a crisper auditory experience, particularly when backlighting is used. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, yielding a rounder audio profile that contrasts sharply with the brightness of polycarbonate. These differing top materials thus lead to distinct sound characteristics that can significantly affect one's typing experience.
On the bottom housing side, both switches utilize nylon, resulting in shared qualities regarding sound absorption and tactile feedback. Since both bottoms are made of nylon, the deeper and fuller sound profile is maintained across both switches when the key is pressed down. The nylon's softer composition means that both switches are likely to provide a duller response in terms of sound and feel on bottom-out, which can lend a smooth tactile sensation while typing. This similarity leads to a somewhat unified acoustic quality during key presses, as the bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall sound when the switch is activated.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Glory Yellow creates a hybrid auditory experience characterized by the contrast between a more pronounced top sound profile and a moister bottom feedback. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top generates a more defined sound upon release, the Glory Yellow's nylon top dampens this effect, offering a more subdued release. However, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a consistent depth and richness in sound when the switch is engaged, creating a balance between brightness and fullness in the overall typing experience. Thus, while the differences in top materials lead to contrasting auditory effects, the shared characteristics of the nylon bottoms help to maintain a cohesive, satisfying feel across both switch types.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch exhibit some differences in terms of actuation force, which can influence user experience during typing or gaming. The V3 Cream Blue Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option, while the Glory Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference may appeal to users seeking a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, as the V3 Cream Blue Pro is easier on the fingers. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a measurable bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unavailable. Consequently, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more substantial bottoming out experience, which some users may prefer for an engaging typing feel. Overall, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a lighter actuation and more defined bottoming out, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out, while the Glory Yellow, with its heavier actuation force, might cater to those who prefer a more robust keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, we see a clear difference. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Glory Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a slightly shorter travel experience, which may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, particularly gamers who prefer a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Glory Yellow, with its longer 4 mm travel, offers a more traditional and deeper key press, which might be favored by users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for either a snappier or a more pronounced key feel.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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 switches produce a lively, poppy, and clacky sound that is quite distinct, making them a popular choice for typists who enjoy an audible feedback that engages the senses. This sound profile, coupled with the smoothness of the switch, renders it an enjoyable experience for many users. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches are characterized by their more subdued sound, focusing on delivering a smoother keystroke without the added auditory feedback typical in tactile switches. However, the overall sound experience can be influenced by various factors including the keyboard plate, construction, and choice of keycaps, which means both switches could be further customized to suit individual preferences.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its medium tactile sensation that strikes a balance between being sufficiently tactile and not overwhelming, providing a gratifying tactile feedback without being harsh. The bouncy and snappy nature of these switches contributes to a dynamic typing experience, further enhanced by their polished finish that ensures smooth key travel. On the other hand, while the Gateron Glory Yellow switches are generally appreciated for their smooth keystroke, the specific descriptors of their feel weren't provided in the information. However, linear switches like the Glory Yellow generally lack the tactile bump and may not provide the same level of dynamic feedback and liveliness that tactile switches like the V3 Cream Blue Pro do.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch stands out with its engaging sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite for those who enjoy an interactive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Glory Yellow, being a linear switch, offers a smoother keystroke but lacks the pronounced auditory and tactile feedback of the Cream Blue Pro. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on an individual's preference for sound and feel; if you prioritize an audible and tactile feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the clear winner, while the Glory Yellow may be more suitable for users who prefer a smooth and muted typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences and requirements as a typist or gamer. If you enjoy the distinctive sound and feel that comes with tactile feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is a fantastic option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, combined with its poppy and clacky sound profile, makes it well-suited for those who appreciate lively feedback during typing. The switch's smoothness and bouncy feel provide a satisfying experience for both casual typing and more intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, smoother keystroke without the tactile bump, the Gateron Glory Yellow is your go-to. Although its specific bottom-out force is undefined, these switches are favored for a creamy, seamless typing experience that allows for rapid key presses without interruption, ideal for gamers and those who type for extended periods without the distraction of noisy feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you crave that satisfying tactile sensation or if you desire a smooth, linear feel for a quieter environment.
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