Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Melodic are both standout mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue Pro V3 is lauded for its poppy and clacky sound profile, smooth feel, and tactile sensation, making it a great choice for those who enjoy lively audible feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic excels in providing a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while also prioritizing smoothness with features like factory lubing and dual-railed stems. While the Cream Blue Pro V3 leans towards a more tactile experience, the Melodic leans towards a more clicky and smooth 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
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Melodic switches are quite similar, as they both feature polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. However, the differences may lie in the design and color options available for each switch model, providing users with a variety of choices to suit their preferences.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Melodic switches showcase a different side to these mechanical keyboards. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the keyboard, offering users more versatility in customizing their typing experience.
In summary, while both switches share polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound. The Gateron Melodic, on the other hand, maintains consistency with polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a unique combination of materials for a tailored typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Gateron Melodic has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches provide a medium typing experience, with the Melodic offering a slightly heavier feel when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the better option, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Gateron Melodic. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Melodic clicky switch's travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a quicker response time, making it suitable for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Melodic clicky switch provides a deeper keypress experience, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 switch offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, while the Gateron Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy auditory experience. Both switches aim to provide an immersive typing experience with their unique sound characteristics. The choice between the two would come down to personal preference for a livelier feedback with the Cream Blue Pro or a classic clicky sound with the Melodic.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile sensation with a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid typing sensation with pronounced feedback. Both switches aim to offer a satisfying tactile feedback to users, with the Cream Blue Pro focusing on a medium tactile experience and the Melodic providing a seamless and reactive feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch and the Gateron Melodic switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively and tactile feedback experience with its poppy sound profile and smooth sensation, the Melodic stands out for its resonant clicky sound and buttery, invigorating feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from both switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, remember that the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a balanced blend of smoothness, tactile feedback, and audible satisfaction at a budget-friendly price point. If you appreciate a lively and satisfying typing experience with a creamy tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are in search of a clicky switch with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, combined with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Gateron Melodic would be the perfect choice for you. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and budget before making your decision, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your individual typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
