Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Luciola each offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that stands out for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, as well as its smoothness, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for those who appreciate a lively feedback coupled with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola is a linear switch known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro emphasizes tactile feedback, the Gateron Luciola offers a smooth linear experience. 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
55g
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
3.60 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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Gateron Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Luciola's INK blend top housing produces a satisfying thin and clacky sound that is pointed and high-pitched without being overly sharp.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch by providing a pointed and high-pitched clacky sound. The characteristics of each housing material impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with the bottom housing having a more significant influence in this regard.
While the V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron Luciola have different housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the proprietary INK blend in the Luciola highlights the importance of housing materials in creating unique sound profiles for mechanical switches. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with polycarbonate or a clacky, high-pitched sound with the INK blend, both switches offer a variety of options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking different typing experiences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Luciola linear switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro requires 55 grams while the Luciola needs 60 grams, making the latter slightly heavier. Both switches provide a medium feel overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Gateron Luciola. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to 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 falls between the traditional 4.0 mm and the more shallow 3.0 mm. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, the Luciola has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. However, if you prefer a quicker response time, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the better option with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and switch feel.
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 Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 tactile switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, with a hollow “can of spray paint being shaken” sound profile. While the Cream Blue Pro switch is praised for its unique sound profile, the Luciola switch offers a different auditory experience with a distinctive and interesting sound description combination.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a tactile sensation that is smooth and refined, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is also highlighted as snappy and polished, providing a super responsive and smooth keystroke experience. Both switches emphasize smooth and refined key travel, making them suitable for users who appreciate a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch stands out for its lively sound profile and smooth tactile feedback, making it a great option for those seeking quality within a budget. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch offers a unique typing feel and an interesting sound profile, catering to users looking for a medium heft and smooth key travel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, users can expect similar results in terms of smooth key travel and refined typing sensation from both of these mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider the characteristics that align with your preferences. If you enjoy a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, along with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, medium heft, and an eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, the Gateron Luciola could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound profile, tactile feel, or visual aesthetics in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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