Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy contenders are the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade. The V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out for its exceptional quality at a budget-friendly price, delivering a delightful tactile experience that is both bouncy and snappy. Its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, combined with a creamy feel, makes it an ideal choice for users who enjoy engaging, audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches represent a significant upgrade for those utilizing Wooting Hall Effect keyboards, offering a bright and clacky sound that provides superior acoustics and an enhanced typing experience. While the Cream Blue Pro caters to users seeking lively tactile sensations, the Magnetic Jade focuses on optimizing sound and performance through innovative magnetic technology. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. Polycarbonate is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its relative stiffness compared to other plastics. Consequently, switches with polycarbonate top housings are particularly suited for users who appreciate the clarity and resonance of their keystrokes. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, especially for those who enjoy RGB lighting. This similarity in top housing material ensures that both switches deliver comparable acoustic qualities and visual experiences, promoting an engaging typing environment.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a classic material in switch construction. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile because it is a softer plastic. This softness allows it to absorb more sound compared to stiffer materials, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. Both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade thus benefit from this nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall typing experience by providing a balanced contrast to the sharper sounds emitted from the polycarbonate tops. This combination of materials creates a harmonious blend of auditory qualities that characterizes each switch.
Ultimately, the contrasting characteristics of the housings are likely to result in a nuanced typing experience that reflects the interplay between the two materials. While polycarbonate provides clarity and brightness from the top, nylon lends depth and warmth from the bottom. Regardless of the switch you choose, with both devices using the same materials for their respective top and bottom housings, you can expect a similarly rich and dynamic sound profile. Whether it's the crispness during key releases or the depth felt during bottom outs, users of both switches will find themselves indulging in a cohesive typing experience that harnesses the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Magnetic Jade features a lighter actuation force of just 30 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that while the Akko switch requires a stronger initial push to actuate, both switches will feel similarly substantial when fully pressed down. The lighter actuation force of the Magnetic Jade makes it a more suitable choice for users who prefer extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue, while those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback might lean toward the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro. Overall, the Akko switch provides a more resistant push feel compared to the Gateron switch, which is designed for a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Magnetic Jade has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel and faster actuation, which is popular among gamers. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade’s 3.5 mm travel distance may offer a more traditional depth that some users might find preferable for a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on individual preferences, as the Akko switch provides a quicker response, while the Gateron switch delivers a bit more depth in keystrokes.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 switches produce a distinct poppy and clacky sound that is unmistakably satisfying for those who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. This lively acoustic profile enhances the experience for casual typists and gamers alike, as it creates an engaging atmosphere. Similarly, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are also noted for their bright and clacky sound, making them a commendable choice for users looking to elevate the auditory aspect of their keyboard experience. Both switches share a commonality in delivering an entertaining and vibrant sound, although individual experiences may vary based on the specific keyboard, plate, and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches stand out with their medium tactile response, often described as accented. They provide a balance that ensures a prominent tactile sensation without being overly intense, coupled with a bouncy and snappy feel that invigorates every keystroke. The smoothness of the switches, attributed to high-quality materials and possibly factory lubing, rounds out the overall typing experience. Currently, the tactile and responsive nature of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches is less characterized, leaving some unknowns in comparisons regarding their precise feel. However, they are likely to provide some level of tactile feedback given their design for enhanced typing experiences.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer compelling auditory experiences with their bright and clacky sounds, making them enjoyable choices for users seeking feedback during use. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro is well-defined in terms of tactile qualities, including its snappiness and bounce, the specifics of the Magnetic Jade's feel remain less detailed. Ultimately, if you prioritize a lively sound profile, either switch may suit your needs, but for tactile feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out more clearly in the available information.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a lively, audible feedback combined with a medium tactile feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is likely the better choice for you. Its bouncy and snappy characteristics, along with its pleasing sound profile, can enhance your typing experience, especially if you appreciate that traditional mechanical keyboard sound and response. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more advanced typing experience with superior acoustics, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches would be more suitable. Their compatibility with hall effect technology offers a unique feel that many enthusiasts appreciate, and their bright and clacky sound makes them especially enticing for those wanting an upgrade, particularly in a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Ultimately, consider your personal typing style, sound preferences, and the type of keyboard you have to make an informed decision that will elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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