Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, it all comes down to your personal preference and requirements. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that offers a poppy and clacky sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively and audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is a linear switch designed for office environments, providing a quiet typing experience with a light actuation. If you prefer a more subtle and professional typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top may be the better choice. 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
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
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top switches offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound profile and typing experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a rounder tone. While polycarbonate is more translucent and suitable for RGB lighting, nylon has the advantage of absorbing more sound for a quieter typing experience.
Both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel across both switches. However, the difference in top housing material between polycarbonate and nylon will influence the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches.
The distinction between the top and bottom housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top switches highlights how each component contributes to the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. These differences in housing materials offer users a choice in the sound profile and tactile feedback they prefer, whether it be the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Gateron Mountain Top.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is clear that the Mountain Top is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Mountain Top is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a bit more resistance, perfect for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on 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, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Mountain Top switch is slightly longer compared to the Cream Blue Pro switch. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, some users may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, in which case they may prefer the switch with the longer travel distance for a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Mountain Top 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 tactile switch offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that is lively and audible, providing a satisfying feedback for users who appreciate a tactile sensation paired with a smooth actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is designed for quietness, offering a subdued sound signature that is suitable for professional environments where discretion is key. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as having an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming nor subtle, coupled with a spring-like rebound when keys are pressed. In comparison, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle feel, catering to a gentle typing experience with light actuation force and low-impact feedback suitable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer their own unique feel that caters to different preferences.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch excels in providing a vibrant and audible typing experience with a creamy, tactile sensation, making it a great option for users looking for a budget-friendly switch that offers both sound and feel satisfaction. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch prioritizes quietness and professional discretion, providing a subtle and gentle typing experience that is ideal for office settings. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and the intended usage environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your priorities and preferences. If you value a lively and audible typing experience with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and light typing experience tailored for office environments, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a unique tactile sensation and sound profile or a quiet and light typing experience. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs.
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