Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew LT offer distinct experiences to cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a bouncy and snappy feel that is both pleasing to the ears and fingertips. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT is a linear switch that offers a deep, resonant thockiness with a seamless glide, creating a bassy and low-pitched typing experience. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly switch with a cream, tactile sensation, the Gazzew LT is perfect for users who enjoy a linear switch with a distinct auditory symphony. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.20 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 Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew LT both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp and high-pitched sound profile, while the LT's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing offers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the LT's Gazzew blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound profile but with a different softness.
While both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew LT feature top housings that impact the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's use of polycarbonate and nylon creates a contrast between the sharpness of the top housing and the depth of the bottom housing. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT's proprietary plastic blend in both top and bottom housings maintains a consistent rich and deep sound profile throughout the typing experience. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials.
In summary, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew LT contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Blue Pro creates a clear and resonant sound, while the Gazzew LT's proprietary plastic blend offers a rich and deep sound experience. Both switches showcase the influence of housing materials on sound output, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro emphasizing contrast between top and bottom housings, and the Gazzew LT providing a consistent sound profile throughout. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the preferred sound characteristics and typing feel desired by the user.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the LT's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro requires 55 grams while the LT needs 65 grams, making the LT the heavier of the two. The V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the LT offers a medium-heavy feel, giving users a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is slightly longer than the Gazzew LT linear switch with a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Gazzew LT, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that can provide a satisfying 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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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 V3 Cream Blue Pro switches offer a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the LT switches are known for their deep, resonant thockiness that provides a satisfying auditory experience with every keystroke. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches focus on a lively and audible feedback, the LT switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile, making them suitable for users who appreciate a bass-heavy and mellow tone.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming. These switches provide a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the LT switches is not specified in the provided information. However, given their name "linear thock," it can be inferred that they may offer a linear and smooth typing experience without the tactile bump present in the Cream Blue Pro switches.
In conclusion, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and LT switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are ideal for users who enjoy a lively and audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, while the LT switches cater to those who prefer a deeper and richer sound profile with a seamless glide. Both switches have their strengths, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. However, it is important to note that the quality of sound and feel can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout, keycaps, and additional modifications.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and desire a deep, resonant thocky sound with a seamless typing experience, then the Gazzew LT linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you enjoy the most.
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