Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Mars present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its engaging auditory feedback and creamy tactile sensation, making each keystroke feel lively and satisfying. Users who enjoy an audible sound profile will appreciate the switch's "poppy and clacky" sound, which not only enhances the typing experience but also provides a sense of connection to their work. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars, a linear switch, offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter option without the tactile bump. Its innovative design features a POK stem paired with a Nylon and POM housing, resulting in a lightweight feel that promotes rapid key presses with minimal resistance. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the snappy feedback of the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the smoothness of the Gateron Mars, each switch has its own set of benefits to enhance your typing 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Mars, it's evident that the two switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which subsequently affect their sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Gateron Mars employs a nylon top housing that renders a deeper, fuller sound, as nylon absorbs more sound due to its softer nature. While both switches aim to create an enjoyable typing experience, the different materials used for the top housing contribute distinctly to the auditory characteristics, resulting in a brighter sound for the V3 and a more muted profile for the Mars.
Turning to the bottom housing, both switches again diverge in materials: the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes nylon, while the Gateron Mars opts for POM (polyoxymethylene). Both nylon and POM are recognized for their sound-dampening properties; however, they contribute to the switch dynamics in varying degrees. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to its top housing but is distinct from the integrated sound signature of POM, known for offering a pleasingly muted sound. This intimate interaction between the bottom housings and the character of the sound produced upon bottoming out each switch further highlights how material choices impact the overall sound feel and experience during typing.
Ultimately, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron Mars feature differing materials in both the top and bottom housings, parallels in the nylon bottom housing of the V3 and the deeper sound provided by POM in the Mars suggest that both switches cater toward producing rich auditory experiences albeit in varied manners. When considering the overall performance of each switch, one may find that the qualities of their respective housings will work cohesively to complement each other. In usage, this means that despite the differences in top housings, typists can expect satisfying acoustic feedback, whether invigorated by the lively clarity of polycarbonate or the subdued depth facilitated by nylon and POM at the bottom.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom-out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, which categorizes them as medium-light switches, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming periods. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a measurable bottom-out force of 55 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly heavier push to fully bottom out. In contrast, the bottom-out force of the Gateron Mars is not available, leaving an unknown variable in its tactile response. This could suggest that while the actuation experience is quite similar, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more defined feedback at the bottom of the keypress. Ultimately, if you prefer a lighter typing experience without the pronounced bottom-out feel, both switches could work well, but the V3 Cream Blue Pro may provide a more substantial typing experience with its higher bottom-out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is measured at 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Mars linear switch features a 3.6 mm travel distance. This makes the V3 Cream Blue Pro the shorter option, catering to users who may prefer a snappier response, often favored by gamers for quicker actuation. Conversely, the Gateron Mars offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more pronounced and satisfying keystroke for those who appreciate the feeling of depth in their typing experience. Therefore, the choice between these two switches largely hinges on personal preference: if you're looking for faster response times, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is ideal; if you value a deeper keystroke, the Gateron Mars would be the better choice.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
When considering the sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches, they stand out with their distinctive poppy and clacky nature, which provides a lively auditory feedback that many users enjoy. This sound is not only engaging but also harmonizes beautifully with the tactile aspects of the switch, making each key press feel satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches lack a detailed sound description, but given the general characteristics of linear switches, one might expect them to produce a quieter and more subdued sound compared to the Cream Blue Pro. Ultimately, the sound experience can vary significantly depending on factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used, which means users could find a satisfactory experience that may mitigate the differences in sound between the two switch types.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is characterized by its medium tactile feedback that provides a notable yet not overwhelming sensation. This switch type offers a bouncy and responsive feel, allowing for a lively typing experience that can enhance typing speed and accuracy. It is polished, resulting in a smooth key travel experience that minimizes friction and enhances the overall tactile satisfaction during use. Conversely, the Gateron Mars switches lack specific descriptors in their feel profile, but being a linear switch, they typically do not provide the tactile bump that the Cream Blue Pro offers. Users might expect a linear switch to deliver a smooth, consistent keystroke without the tactile feedback that some users prefer.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron Mars switches cater to different typing preferences. The Cream Blue Pro excels with its engaging sound and medium tactile feel, creating an enjoyable typing experience for those who appreciate audible feedback and tactile sensations. In contrast, the Mars switches are likely to provide a smoother and quieter experience, though their exact attributes remain less defined. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the lively and tactile feel of the Cream Blue Pro or the sleek, linear experience that the Mars may offer.
Conclusion
To summarize, selecting between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a rich auditory experience and appreciate tactile feedback, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is an excellent choice, offering a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams that's perfect for typists and gamers alike who love the satisfying clack and bounce of each keystroke. Its distinct poppy sound profile combined with a refined, polished feeling makes it ideal for those who want both performance and character in their typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that exemplifies smoothness and low friction, the Gateron Mars might be more suitable for you, especially if you're looking for a clean and quiet typing experience that allows for rapid key presses without resistance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities—whether you value auditory feedback and tactile sensation or seek the effortless glide of linear switches.
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