Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that offers a pleasing poppy and clacky sound profile, along with a smooth and bouncy tactile sensation, making it ideal for users who enjoy an audible and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is a linear switch known for its lightning-fast actuation with a short travel distance, resulting in a thocky sound, unmatched smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While the Cream Blue Pro excels in providing tactile feedback and a budget-friendly option, the Smoothie Silver focuses on speed 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
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
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we find that they both offer unique characteristics. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing, offering a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials contribute to the overall sound of the switch, they result in distinct auditory experiences for the user.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Blue Pro opts for a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a pleasing and unique deep sound profile with a relatively more muted tone. Despite the differences in material, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a satisfying sound feedback that caters to individual preferences.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in the sound profile and feel of typing on mechanical keyboards. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Smoothie Silver offer contrasting characteristics with their polycarbonate and POM housing materials, respectively, the end goal remains to provide users with an enjoyable typing experience. Whether it be a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted tone, both switches aim to cater to different preferences by utilizing top and bottom housings that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the V3 Cream Blue Pro falls into the medium-light category, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's weight is unavailable, making it difficult to determine whether it is lighter or heavier. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the better option due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches play a significant role in the typing experience, with lighter switches being suitable for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more solid feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a more abrupt and responsive feel may lean towards the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may opt for the Gateron Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of feel and responsiveness.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that pairs well with its creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, offering a unique auditory experience with unparalleled smoothness and a feather-light touch. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is described as having an accented feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. These switches are further noted for their bouncy and snappy feedback, giving keys a lively and responsive feel while offering a polished typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch's feel is unspecified in the provided information.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively sound profile and a creamy, tactile sensation combined with a polished typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. Depending on preference, users can expect a unique and satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound and feather-light touch, then the Gateron Smoothie Silver may be more suitable for your needs. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when selecting a switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what will enhance your overall typing experience and best suit your individual preferences.
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