Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that is praised for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, along with a smooth and creamy tactile sensation. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a lively audible feedback and a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is a linear switch that is known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. This switch is favored for its low-pitched sound and mild, polished feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 incorporates a proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both materials offer a clear and resonant sound, the polycarbonate of the V3 Cream Blue Pro may provide a more vibrant sound due to its translucency, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro opts for a nylon material, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characterized by its softer and more absorbent nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound that differs from the sharper tones of the top housing. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Black V2 also features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch. The thin and higher-pitched sound produced by the bottom housing complements the top housing, creating a cohesive auditory experience that is both satisfying and distinct.
Overall, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches utilize different housing materials for the top and bottom, they each offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate and nylon combination of the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a clear and resonant sound with a deeper touch, while the proprietary INK blend of the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a more pointed and clacky sound. Regardless of the differences, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is evident that they have notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, as it allows for more extended typing periods and is suitable for tasks requiring prolonged keyboard use. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may favor the Gateron Ink Black V2 for its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Cream Blue Pro may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing an audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile with a rich clack, emphasizing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro providing a livelier sound experience and the Ink Black V2 offering a more mellow and bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming yet not subtle. The keys have a lively and spring-like feel with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, providing a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. The switches' qualities all stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, ensuring a comfortable typing experience without being too extreme in any aspect.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Cream Blue Pro stands out for its lively sound profile and medium tactile feedback, while the Ink Black V2 excels in providing a mellow sound tone and a mild typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer quality options that will enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, with either switch, you can expect a satisfactory result based on the qualities mentioned.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light key press with a poppy and clacky sound profile, along with a creamy and tactile sensation, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy key press with a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, the Ink Black V2 linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key press force, sound, and feel in order to optimize your typing experience.
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