Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Oil King offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is a tactile switch known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively feedback paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King is a linear switch praised for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched sound profile reminiscent of snapping a dark chocolate bar. While the Cream Blue Pro offers a bouncy and snappy feel, the Oil King provides a silky and bassy experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preferences in terms of sound profile, tactile sensation, and smoothness. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Oil King both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Oil King's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Oil King's nylon top housing offers a more classic typing experience with a rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches continue to showcase their distinct characteristics. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing complements the top housing by providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Oil King features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that delivers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp, resulting in a satisfyingly clacky typing experience. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro maintains a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, the Oil King offers a unique combination of sound qualities split between the top and bottom housings.
In conclusion, the choice between the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Oil King ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to their distinct typing experiences, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Oil King's nylon and proprietary INK blend bottom housing offer a deeper, fuller sound with a satisfying clacky feel. Whether you prefer a high-pitched, sharp sound or a rounder, fuller sound, both switches deliver unique typing experiences suited to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light. In contrast, the Oil King is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is medium-heavy. The actuation force of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lower, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Oil King requires more force for the same. On the other hand, both switches require a similar amount of force for bottoming out, providing a consistent typing experience in that aspect. Therefore, if a lighter actuation force is preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the better choice. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Gateron Oil King would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice 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 Oil King linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it preferred by gamers for its faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Oil King provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or prolonged use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial key press.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and audible feedback to users. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, resembling a dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience depending on user preferences, with the Cream Blue Pro providing a more vibrant and tactile feedback, while the Oil King delivers a deeper and richer tone.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is recognized for its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, offering a tactile sensation that is not overwhelming but still prominent. These switches provide a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, creating a buttery smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches excel in providing a premium feel to users, with the Cream Blue Pro offering a more tactile and lively feedback, while the Oil King delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch both offer high-quality sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cream Blue Pro emphasizes a lively and tactile feedback with a poppy sound profile, the Oil King focuses on a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile or linear typing experience, both switches provide excellent options within their respective qualities. Ultimately, users can expect a premium typing experience with either switch, ensuring a satisfying experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a tactile typing experience with a distinct sound profile and medium-light bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Oil King could be the ideal choice. Consider your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and force requirement to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, so take your time to test them out and see which one resonates with you the most.
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