Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch to the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it's important to consider the unique characteristics of each. The Cream Blue Pro V3 switches are renowned for their budget-friendly yet quality build, offering a delightful poppy and clacky sound profile that is accompanied by a smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches boast a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clack, making them stand out for their smoothness and unique sound. While the Cream Blue Pro switches excel in providing a lively feedback with a creamy tactile sensation, the Box Pink switches offer a silky smooth typing experience with a distinct clack. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Pink both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is satisfyingly clacky. While both materials offer a higher-pitched sound, the polycarbonate of the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be more resonant, while the INK blend of the Ink Box Pink may provide a slightly softer tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. Similarly, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky, adding a unique sound profile to typing. Both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, with nylon providing a fuller sound and the INK blend offering a thinner, higher-pitched sound.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Ink Box Pink differ, they each play a role in shaping the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing material is more impactful on the bottom-out sound and feel, with nylon offering a deeper and fuller sound while the INK blend provides a high-pitched, clacky tone. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate creating a sharper and more resonant sound compared to the INK blend's slightly softer tone. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles thanks to their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it's evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter in both actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is slightly heavier but still considered medium. For those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Ink Box Pink would be the better option. However, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Gateron switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Akko switch. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the slight difference of 0.3 mm could impact the typing experience for some users. Those who prefer a slightly deeper press may lean towards the Gateron switch, while those looking for a quicker response time may opt for the Akko switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preference for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 creates a lively and audible feedback experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch offers a higher-pitched clack that is sharp and crisp. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro offering a more tactile and harmonious sound, while the Ink Box Pink providing a lighter and higher-pitched sound.
Moving on to the feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile experience with a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel due to factory lubing. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is referred to as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Cream Blue Pro switch focuses on a balanced tactile sensation, the Ink Box Pink switch emphasizes a silky smoothness in typing.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Blue Pro provides a harmonious and tactile sound with a bouncy and polished feel, while the Ink Box Pink offers a high-pitched clack and silky smoothness. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the lively feedback of the Cream Blue Pro or the smoothness of the Ink Box Pink, both achieving satisfying results in their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a lively and audible feedback, as well as a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a lighter feel and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches would be more suitable for your preference. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize feedback and tactility or smoothness and lighter keypresses in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
