Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is favored for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, along with a smooth tactile sensation, making it a great budget-friendly option for users who enjoy a lively and audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are known for their refined sound profile, combining a deep "thock" when bottoming out with a quiet topping out, providing a luxurious typing experience with a sharp tactile bump. Each switch offers its own set of characteristics that appeal to different preferences, whether you prefer a more vibrant and boisterous typing experience with the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro or a sophisticated and muted sound profile with the Gazzew U4Tx. 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx, we see that both switches offer unique benefits. The V3 Cream Blue Pro uses polycarbonate for its top housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile with a translucent appearance ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known for its rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Blue Pro delivers a higher-pitched sound, while the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx offers a deeper tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes nylon to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the U4Tx features a proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, known for its rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both materials provide a unique typing experience, with the nylon in the V3 Cream Blue Pro offering a softer feel and deeper sound, while the Gazzew blend in the U4Tx maintains a rich and deep tone throughout typing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound profile ideal for RGB lighting, the U4Tx's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a fuller sound profile with a softer feel, while the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4Tx maintains a rich and deep sound throughout typing. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the U4Tx's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the U4Tx requires a heavier force of 62.5 grams compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro's 55 grams bottom out force. Both switches fall in the medium category, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro leaning towards a lighter feel and the U4Tx offering a slightly heavier typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch might lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel might find the U4Tx to be more suitable for their needs. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3mm compared to the U4Tx's 3.6mm travel distance. The V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a quicker response time for those who prefer a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking faster feedback. On the other hand, the U4Tx provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the spectrum of travel distances, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being shorter and the U4Tx slightly longer, catering to different preferences among users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes speed and responsiveness or a deeper key press sensation.
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 U4Tx 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches offer a distinct, poppy, and clacky sound profile that adds a lively auditory element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches provide a cleaner, refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. The U4Tx switches offer a more bassy and muted sound compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro, providing a different auditory experience for users. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build quality and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are characterized as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium level of tactility that is responsive and smooth. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches are described as sharp tactile switches with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each keypress. Users looking for a more pronounced tactile feedback may prefer the sharp tactility of the U4Tx switches, while those seeking a balanced and responsive typing experience may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches and the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their lively and clacky sound profile, along with a balanced and smooth tactile feel. In contrast, the U4Tx switches provide a cleaner and bassier sound profile, paired with a sharp tactile bump for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Regardless of the option chosen, both switches offer quality and performance that will enhance any mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Therefore, when it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you appreciate a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner, refined sound profile with a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, the U4Tx switches might be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on the sensations that most appeal to you.
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