Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Banana both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its budget-friendly option without compromising quality, providing a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile alongside smoothness, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively audible feedback with a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana stands out for its high-precision molds and softer backlight effects, enhanced with two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', the Gateron Jupiter Banana is labeled as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', 'Resonant'. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, 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
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Banana both feature polycarbonate top housings, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its clarity and resonance, making it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting. However, the Nylon bottom housings of these switches differ slightly in terms of sound profile. The Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Overall, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Jupiter Banana utilize polycarbonate top housings, providing similar sound profiles due to the stiffness of this material. However, the differences in the nylon bottom housings of these switches offer distinct typing experiences. The Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound, while the Jupiter Banana's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder sound profile. These differences can impact the overall typing feel and sound of each switch.
In terms of construction, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Banana ensures a clear and resonant sound profile. However, the different nylon bottom housings of these switches result in varied sound experiences during typing. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings make a difference in the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel versus the sound when letting go of a key. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles due to the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jupiter Banana's 59 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. Similarly, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Jupiter Banana's 69 grams, indicating a softer landing when fully pressing the key. This difference in force between the two switches caters to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a lighter typing experience suitable for longer sessions, while the Jupiter Banana provides a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they both offer a relatively short keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and responsiveness is desired.
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 Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 offers a distinct pop and clack sound profile that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Banana features high-pitched and resonant sound profiles that produce sharp and crisp sounds when pressed, providing an immersive auditory experience. The choice of sound between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Cream Blue Pro offering a lively and audible feedback, while the Jupiter Banana provides a higher-pitched and cleaner sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience, providing a balanced level of tactility without being overwhelming. Conversely, the Gateron Jupiter Banana also boasts a polished finish for a sleek typing experience and a creamy sensation that allows for smooth and buttery keystrokes. Both switches aim to deliver a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Cream Blue Pro focusing more on liveliness and responsiveness, whereas the Jupiter Banana emphasizes a silky and effortless key travel.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron Jupiter Banana switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively and audible feedback with a creamy tactile sensation, while the Jupiter Banana focuses on high-pitched and resonant sound profiles alongside a creamy and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but users can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider the specific qualities that each switch offers. If you prioritize a medium-light bottom out force, a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, and a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, soft backlight effects, and a high-precision mold with a silky smooth typing experience, the Gateron Jupiter Banana could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns most closely with your individual preferences and needs to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
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