Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer budget-friendly options for enthusiasts. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its higher pitched clacky sound profile and bouncy feel, providing a different typing experience. While both switches are categorized as polished and offer unique features, such as being easy-to-press or high-pitched, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboards. As a result, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal when using either of these switches.
However, a notable point of contrast between the two switches lies in their choice of bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering users a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Therefore, while the top housing may contribute more to the sound upon key release, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow incorporate polycarbonate top housings, providing a similar sound profile and aesthetic appeal. The use of nylon bottom housings in both switches further enhances the typing experience, with nylon's soft nature absorbing sound and producing a deeper sound profile. Ultimately, while there are minor differences in the bottom housing materials, users can expect a comparable typing experience from both switches in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, we can see that the actuation force is the same at 50 grams for both switches. However, the bottom out force differs, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro having a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it lighter than the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is heavier. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro will provide a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier keystroke with a more substantial feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual 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 Yellow linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a quicker response time, which is preferred by many gamers. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a deeper key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro being shorter and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow being longer, providing users with the option to choose based on their personal preference.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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, clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch produces a higher-pitched, resonant sound profile, delivering a sharp and crisp typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a more dynamic sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a cleaner and sharper sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a low-impact and responsive typing experience. Additionally, it provides a bouncy and snappy feedback, enhancing the user's typing speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is described as polished and creamy, delivering a smooth and buttery typing sensation. The polished finish reduces friction and provides a sleek typing experience, while the creamy feel creates a silky, effortless keystroke experience. Both switches offer different tactile qualities, catering to a range of typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy, clacky sound and a feathery, bouncy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a higher-pitched, resonant sound and a polished, creamy typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences carefully. If you prioritize a satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth feel at a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a higher pitched clacky sound profile, a fairly bouncy feel, and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to select based on what features align best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
