Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black are two enticing options to consider. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches are a budget-friendly choice that delivers a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience and creamy tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its premium quality at an affordable price, offering a heavier actuation and bottom-out force for a more substantial typing experience. While the Cream Yellow Pro is easy-to-press and bouncy, the G Pro 3.0 Black is clacky and subtle. 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
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, one notable difference lies in their top housings. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black boasts a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and high-pitched sound profile without being overly sharp. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may appeal to those looking for a more resonant and clear sound compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black is equipped with a POM bottom housing known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper, more muted side. While both housing materials offer distinct sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may provide a duller and rounder sound compared to the more muted sound produced by the POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black will ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound profiles. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a unique blend of sharp and deeper sound profiles. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing offer a different audio experience with a clacky sound profile and a more muted tone. However, if you prefer a mix of sharpness and depth in your typing experience, both switches provide a similar effect by utilizing different housing materials for their top and bottom components.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Black requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better option. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel is preferred, the G Pro 3.0 Black would be the suitable choice. Both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy feel, ensuring that users can get similar results depending on their personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference in travel distance between these two switches may result in a slightly faster response time from the V3 Cream Yellow Pro compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black. Gamers who prioritize quick key presses may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black. In terms of travel distance, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a shorter distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow Pro for $2.00.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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 Yellow Pro offers a poppy and clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black produces a medium-high pitch sound, described as clacky. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro leaning towards a more vivid and sharp sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a slightly more subdued but still crisp sound.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, providing a smooth and low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. In comparison, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black is described as creamy and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Cream Yellow Pro focusing on responsiveness and light actuation force, while the G Pro 3.0 Black emphasizes a silky and smooth typing feel.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switches both have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a poppy and clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, ideal for those who prioritize vibrant auditory feedback and low-impact typing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black stands out with its medium-high pitch clacky sound and creamy, silky feel, offering a smooth and luxurious typing experience for those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a budget-friendly yet premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a vibrant auditory experience and a creamy tactile feel with easy-to-press and feathery switches, then the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantive typing experience with creamy and silky switches that offer a smooth and buttery feel, along with a subtle sound signature, then the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing comfort.
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