Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is ideal for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for a satisfying auditory experience and smooth tactile feel, thanks to its poppy, clacky sound and creamy smoothness. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are perfect for gamers seeking lightning-fast responsiveness and value, with a shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting for an enhanced gaming 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, these switches produce a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver's polycarbonate bottom housing.
In terms of housing materials, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver differ primarily in their bottom housings. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a nylon bottom housing which creates a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver's polycarbonate bottom housing. This contrast in bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience with each switch, catering to different sound preferences.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver influences the overall sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing the key. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a balanced mix of sharpness, clarity, depth, and fullness in its sound profile, providing a versatile option for keyboard enthusiasts seeking different sound qualities. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver's consistent use of polycarbonate housing materials delivers a sharp and clear sound profile throughout the typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch with a lighter 45 grams actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Akko switch requires 60 grams while the Gateron switch needs 50 grams. This means that the Akko switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch, which offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force. Both switches offer medium actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience with either choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch. Both switches fall into the category of relatively short travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for quick and responsive key presses. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper keystroke, the G Pro 3.0 Silver may be more to your liking. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience but cater to slightly different preferences in terms of key travel depth.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is characterized by a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, adding an exhilarating auditory element to gaming sessions. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing or gaming experience, with the Cream Yellow Pro leaning towards a poppy sound and the G Pro Silver offering a deeper and richer tone.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities provide a smooth and refined typing experience, offering low-impact typing feel and reduced friction during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is characterized as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a silky sensation. Both switches provide unique tactile feedback, with the Cream Yellow Pro focusing on easy-to-press and bouncy characteristics, while the G Pro Silver emphasizes a buttery and creamy typing sensation.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy sound and a smooth, bouncy feel, ideal for enthusiasts looking for a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the G Pro Silver offers a bassy sound and a buttery, creamy feel, perfect for gamers seeking a smooth and fluid typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either of these switches can enhance your typing or gaming setup with their unique characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your specific preferences for sound and feel, as both options offer quality performance in different aspects.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a poppy, clacky sound paired with a smooth tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be a great choice for you, especially if you appreciate a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter bottom out force and lightning-fast responsiveness for gaming, along with vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for an exhilarating auditory element, then the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the ideal switch for your setup. Consider your typing or gaming preferences, as well as the sound and feel you desire, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits and features, so choose based on what aligns best with your needs and preferences.
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