Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Mini i both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, paired with a smooth tactile sensation, making it a great choice for users who enjoy a lively audible feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i offers a subtle and gentle tactility with a muted sound profile, perfect for quiet and professional environments. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a more pronounced typing experience, the Gateron Mini i offers a lightweight and comfortable typing experience without the intrusive clack. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Mini i, we can see that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housing. Both switches will likely provide a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, as the nylon material will have a similar impact on the overall sound profile.
On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing while the Gateron Mini i uses a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, nylon in the top housing of the Mini i will likely create a deeper and fuller sound profile, in keeping with its softer plastic composition. This difference in top housing material will lead to variations in the sound when pressing down on the switches and when releasing a key.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches will result in unique sound profiles for the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Mini i. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing will likely create a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Mini i's deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and Gateron Mini i tactile switch both offer a different typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mini i's 40 grams, making it a medium-light option. Similarly, the bottom out force of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is 55 grams, slightly heavier than the Mini i's 50 grams, giving it a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mini i would be the better choice. The V3 Cream Blue Pro, on the other hand, would cater to those who enjoy a bit more resistance when pressing down the keys. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Mini i being slightly longer. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while others who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Mini i. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to more traditional switches, providing a quicker 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 Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches offer a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches have a fairly muted sound profile that still delivers satisfying feedback without being too intrusive. Whether you prefer a more pronounced sound like the Cream Blue Pro or a quieter typing experience like the Mini i, both switches offer a unique auditory experience that enhances your typing.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile sensation with lively feedback and smooth key travel. On the contrary, the Gateron Mini i switches are bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped, offering a gentle resistance with low impact typing feel that is perfect for long hours of comfortable typing. Whether you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback like the Cream Blue Pro or a softer, easier-to-press sensation like the Mini i, both switches cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Ultimately, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron Mini i switches both offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prioritize a lively sound profile with pronounced tactility or a more subtle, quiet typing experience, both switches provide options for users seeking quality within a budget. By understanding your personal preferences in sound and feel, you can select the switch that aligns best with your typing style and enhances your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a lively and smooth typing feedback with a distinct sound profile, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightweight switches with a gentle tactility, quiet operation, and easy key presses for long typing sessions, the Gateron Mini i could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific feel and sound profile you prefer when typing, as both switches offer their own unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
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