Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew U4T are two tactile mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that is complemented by a smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, delivering a bassy 'thock' sound profile that pairs well with an assertive tactile feedback. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro is best suited for users seeking quality within a budget and enjoy a creamy tactile sensation, the Gazzew U4T is perfect for those looking for a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew U4T, the main difference lies in the top housing material. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the U4T features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro is more likely to be used for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, offering a different aesthetic appeal compared to the Gazzew blend top housing.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the two switches are quite similar. The V3 Cream Blue Pro uses a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Similarly, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness, creating a similar typing experience as the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Both bottom housing materials contribute to a duller and rounder sound when pressed, offering a comfortable and satisfying typing experience for users.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew U4T differ in their sound profiles, the bottom housing materials provide a more similar typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Gazzew blend top housing of the U4T delivers a rich and deep sound profile. However, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their nylon and proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing materials, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound when pressed. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic design.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the U4T has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, resulting in a medium-heavy typing feel. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a slightly lighter typing experience, the U4T provides a more substantial push feel for those who prefer heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.3 mm travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch. The U4T offers a more traditional and deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can appeal to those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Gazzew U4T 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 switches are known for their distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and audible feedback that is complemented by a smooth sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches provide a bassy 'thock' sound profile that is rich and deep, coupled with a sharp and assertive tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro delivering a more pronounced clicky sound, while the U4T offers a deeper and richer thockiness. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences for sound profiles.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming yet still noticeable. These switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience with a spring-like bounce. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches are characterized by a sharp tactile bump that delivers a strong and crisp feedback with each keypress. While both switches offer tactile responses, the V3 Cream Blue Pro focuses more on a balanced tactile feel, while the U4T emphasizes a sharper and more intense tactile sensation. Again, the preference would depend on the individual's preference for the level of tactility.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches and the Gazzew U4T switches offer distinct sound and tactile experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The V3 Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively and poppy sound profile with a medium level of tactility, making it suitable for users who appreciate a balanced feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches deliver a bassy thock sound profile with a sharp and intense tactile feedback, catering to those who seek a more pronounced tactile sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance, and choosing between them would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. If one enjoys a clickier experience with smooth tactility, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be an excellent choice, while those looking for a deeper thock sound with sharper tactility may prefer the Gazzew U4T switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch or the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a combination of poppy and clacky sound with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and appreciate a bassy thock sound profile with a sharp tactile feedback, then the Gazzew U4T switches would be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your individual preferences and what type of typing experience you value the most.
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