Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When searching for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Jupiter Red, a linear switch. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is renowned for its distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that is complemented by a smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a smooth and consistent typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and high-precision molds. While the Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a bouncy and snappy typing experience, the Jupiter Red is known for its silky and polished keystrokes. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. The similarities in their top housing material mean that users can expect a consistent sound quality and visual experience from both switches.
However, where the switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a focus on producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the use of nylon in the bottom housing gives both switches a unique typing feel and sound signature.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red will come down to personal preferences in sound and typing experience. While both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the variations in bottom housing material give each switch a distinctive typing feel. Whether you prefer a sharper or fuller sound, both switches deliver quality performance with their combination of housing materials for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Jupiter Red's heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a medium-light feel overall, while the Jupiter Red offers a medium resistance. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Gateron Jupiter Red switch. Both switches offer similar actuation forces, ensuring consistent results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing style and pressure preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a quicker response time compared to the Jupiter Red. Gamers may prefer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster keystrokes during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Jupiter Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 Jupiter Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing an audible feedback that adds a lively element to typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is highlighted for its accented and bouncy tactile feedback, offering a medium level of tactility that is neither too subtle nor overwhelming. This switch also provides a snappy and polished typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel with reduced friction. Similarly, the Gateron Jupiter Red is known for its polished and creamy feel, offering a silky typing sensation with minimal resistance. The mild characteristics of the Jupiter Red make it an approachable option for most users, providing a comfortable and consistent typing experience.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively and tactile feedback with a distinct sound profile, the Jupiter Red focuses on delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience with a neutral sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a more audible and tactile feedback or a smoother and quieter typing experience, either of these switches can enhance your overall typing performance and satisfaction. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference and the specific characteristics that best suit your typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a lively and audible click with a creamy tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Jupiter Red would be more suited to your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you are looking for before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
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