Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Type S. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that offers a unique and satisfying typing experience with its poppy and clacky sound profile. It is known for its smoothness and tactile sensation, making it a great choice for those who value a lively feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S is a linear switch that boasts a weightier keystroke and a neutral yet deeper sound signature. It is engineered with contemporary factory lubing techniques for a modern touch. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, but choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Type S switches offer unique characteristics that affect the sound profile and feel of typing. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In comparison, the Type S switches feature a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials have their own distinct sound qualities, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is better suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency, offering a visually appealing option for those looking to customize their setup.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Type S switches utilize nylon. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile compared to harder plastics. This adds a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Although the specific sound characteristics may vary slightly between the two switches, the overall impact of the nylon material on the bottom housing remains consistent in providing a quieter and more subdued typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Type S switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the V3 Cream Blue Pro with its polycarbonate top housing may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and fuller sound, the Type S switches with their nylon top housing might be more appealing. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer a quality typing experience that can be customized to suit individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, we see a difference in the actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Type S has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push when typing may prefer the Type S for a more tactile experience. Overall, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, while the Gateron Type S is heavier, providing users with different options based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Type S linear switch's 4 mm travel distance. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed and agility. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S switch provides a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prioritize speed or depth in your 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 Type S comes in at $4.70 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch offers a distinctively 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 Type S switch leans towards a more neutral and subdued sound signature, offering a balanced and deeper acoustic experience. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, whether you enjoy a more vibrant and tactile sound or a subdued and neutral one. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility, a spring-like feedback sensation, super responsiveness, and a smooth and refined finish. Meanwhile, information about the feel of the Gateron Type S switch is not provided. This lack of information makes it difficult to compare the tactile feel of the two switches accurately. However, based on the provided descriptions, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switch seems to offer a more versatile and dynamic tactile experience compared to the Type S switch.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Type S switches both offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Blue Pro switch provides a lively and tactile sound profile with a versatile tactile experience, appealing to users who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S switch offers a more neutral and subdued sound signature, but information regarding its tactile feel is unavailable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a lively and tactile typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be a great choice for you. The distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, smooth keystrokes, and creamy tactile sensation make them a popular option for those who enjoy audible feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a weightier keystroke and a balanced, neutral sound profile, the Gateron Type S switches would be more suitable for you. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force, these switches cater to those who prefer a more subdued sound experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron Type S switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, so choose the one that best fits your typing style and preferences.
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