Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Gateron Weightlessness stand out as two compelling options, each with its unique attributes. The V3 Cream Blue Pro captures the essence of tactile satisfaction with its poppy, clacky sound profile that delivers a lively auditory experience, making it a top choice for users who revel in rich acoustic feedback while typing. Its bouncy and polished feel further enhances the tactile experience, perfect for those who relish the thrill of each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more subtle tactile feedback that strikes a balance between smoothness and a gentle bump, catering to users who prefer a quieter yet still engaging typing experience. While both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is ideal for those seeking an expressive and spirited feel, whereas the Weightlessness provides a refined and understated option. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness reveal distinct acoustic characteristics attributed to their respective compositions. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and crisp sound profile. This material generally produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound, enhancing the auditory experience, especially when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a nylon top housing, which is a softer material traditionally associated with a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon’s ability to absorb more sound leads to a more subdued auditory output, resulting in a sound experience that is more rounded and less piercing than that of the V3 Cream Blue Pro.
Examining the bottom housings, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness utilize nylon, indicating a consistency in their design choices for this component. As both switches employ nylon in the bottom housing, they can be expected to produce a similar sound profile, characterized by a deeper and fuller acoustic response. The nylon's softness contributes significantly to the sound experience, making the bottom-out sound more muted and comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. Given that the bottom housing largely influences the feel and sound of the switch when bottomed out, both switches would offer a comparable tactile sensation despite the difference noted in their top housings.
Ultimately, the differences between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness lie primarily in their top housing materials, with the former benefiting from the sharpness of polycarbonate and the latter leaning towards a more rounded output with nylon. However, the utilization of nylon in the bottom housings creates a convergence in the deeper sound experience that both switches can offer. Users seeking a sharp, elevated sound will find the polycarbonate top of the V3 Cream Blue Pro advantageous, while those preferring a more subdued auditory experience will appreciate the nylon-centric design of the Weightlessness. Regardless of the differences, players can still enjoy similar sound dampening qualities during key presses, thanks to the shared nylon material in both switches’ bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation force. The V3 Cream Blue Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Weightlessness has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the better choice, as it provides a more effortless keystroke for long sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which indicates a more defined tactile feedback when fully depressed. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has an unspecified bottom out force, making it difficult to evaluate its overall feel when fully pressed. Nonetheless, based on the known data, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro can be considered the lighter option, while the Weightlessness's heavier actuation creates a different feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it's clear that there is a slight difference: the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Weightlessness has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the V3 Cream Blue Pro the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a slightly more responsive feel with faster actuation. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced typing experience for users who favor deeper key presses. While both switches are well within the range of traditional travel distances, the tiny differential reflects the variety in user preference towards either a brisk or a more substantial key feel.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 produce a lively, poppy, and clacky auditory experience that many users find satisfying during typing. This distinct sound profile is ideal for those who enjoy pronounced feedback and a vibrant atmosphere while using their keyboard. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switches are characterized by a more balanced sound, offering a subtle to moderate auditory feedback that pairs well with their tactile feel. While both switches can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used, the V3 Cream Blue Pro leans towards a more expressive sound, while the Weightlessness provides a softer, quieter typing experience.
Regarding feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are known for their accentuated tactile feedback, producing a "medium tactile" sensation that strikes a balance between being easily noticeable yet comfortable for extended typing. These switches also showcase bouncy and snappy qualities, reminiscent of an elastic response that gives users a lively rebound effect. Additionally, the polished finish contributes to a smooth and refined key traversal experience. The Gateron Weightlessness, while offering a tactile experience, is described as having a subtle to moderate tactile feel, which may translate to a more subdued typing sensation compared to the more prominent tactility of the V3 Cream Blue Pro.
In summary, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches cater to users who enjoy an engaging sound and a more pronounced tactile feedback, making them suitable for those who thrive on auditory and tactile stimulation during typing. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness switches present a more balanced sound profile and a gentler tactile experience, appealing to users who favor smoother, less intrusive feedback. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference; however, both switch types promise a quality typing experience, each with its unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you desire an engaging and auditory typing experience that positively impacts your keystrokes, the V3 Cream Blue Pro, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and its lively poppy sound, is an excellent choice. It's perfect for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation and a responsive, bouncy feedback that enhances the overall typing enjoyment. In contrast, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness can be a fitting option, particularly for those who appreciate a moderate tactile feel without overwhelming feedback. This switch may appeal more to those wanting a quieter workspace where typing is less about auditory feedback and more focused on smooth, refined key travel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique attributes suited to different typing preferences, allowing you to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience based on which tactile sensation and sound you're more inclined towards.
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