Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Glory Yellow present two intriguing options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 is celebrated for its budget-friendly appeal, combining a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel that enhances both auditory and tactile feedback, making it particularly appealing for gamers and typists who revel in a vibrant soundscape. Categories such as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', and 'Polished' further underscore its playful character. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow stands out for its heavier stance within its lineup, providing a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance that prioritizes a solid and satisfying typing experience. This switch caters to users who prefer a more substantial feel, emphasizing stability and consistency in each keystroke. While both switches offer distinct advantages, ranging from the lively auditory experience of the Akko to the robust feel of the Gateron, the ultimate choice depends on your personal preferences 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
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Glory Yellow, a notable distinction arises from their top housings. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper and more pronounced sound profile. This characteristic not only provides a crisper auditory feedback during typing but also enhances aesthetics with RGB lighting, as polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow uses a nylon top housing, which is a softer material that tends to absorb sound more than it projects it. As a result, the sound profile of the Glory Yellow is deeper and more resonant, making it feel rounder but potentially less clear in comparison. Therefore, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon as a top housing material profoundly affects acoustic qualities, with the V3 Cream Yellow delivering more clarity while the Glory Yellow offers warmth.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housings, both being crafted from nylon. This similarity results in a deeper and fuller sound profile from the bottom housing, due to the nylon's inherent characteristics of sound absorption. Consequently, this shared bottom housing material means that when you bottom out either switch, you will experience a similar sound and feel, rooted in the softer nature of nylon. Thus, the typing experience at the bottom end of each keystroke will largely be consistent, as both switches leverage the sound-dampening qualities of nylon to create a plush tactile response.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housing create a balance in acoustic performance between the two switches. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top lends itself to a sharper release sound, enhancing the experience when letting go of the keys, while the Gateron Glory Yellow's nylon top makes for a smoother and more subtle sound profile. Yet, due to their identical bottom housing, the overall typing feel at the bottom will be relatively aligned, allowing users to find comfort in the tactile feedback while appreciating the nuanced differences presented by the top housings. In summary, both switches provide unique sound experiences reinforced by their individual top houses while sharing consistent qualities through their nylon bottoms.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch share the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally responsive for typing and gaming. This similarity in actuation force means that both switches will provide a comparable typing experience in terms of the effort required to register a keystroke, which is ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming periods. However, the bottom out force differs between the two: the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown. This indicates that while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a firmer feel when bottomed out, the Glory Yellow may feel lighter at the end of the keystroke due to the lack of a specified bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch and a softer typing experience, the Gateron Glory Yellow may be suitable if it ultimately proves to be easier to press fully down; otherwise, the Akko V3 could be favored for a more substantial typing feel with its defined bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, there is a notable difference. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Glory Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that if you are looking for a more responsive feel, the Akko switch may be preferable due to its shorter distance. In contrast, the Gateron switch, with its deeper travel, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial actuation experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor the swift responsiveness of a shorter travel or the more pronounced tactile feedback of a longer travel distance.
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 Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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
The sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is characterized by a poppy, clacky auditory sensation that captures the essence of a lively mechanical typing experience. This vibrant sound can be quite pleasing to those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow is geared more toward a quieter operation, emphasizing smoothness over pronounced auditory features. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials, making it essential to consider these factors when evaluating noise levels.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a unique combination of qualities that enhance the typing experience. They are easy to press, providing minimal resistance and making long typing sessions less fatiguing. Users can expect a feathery touch with a bouncy rebound sensation, contributing to a lively and engaging tactile experience. Moreover, the polished finish ensures a smooth key travel that feels refined and effortless. On the other hand, while specific attributes of the Glory Yellow switches are not detailed, they are known for their smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance, suggesting a balance that might appeal to those who favor ease of use in a typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Gateron Glory Yellow switches each offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is ideal for those who appreciate a vibrant sound and lively feel, whereas the Glory Yellow could be better suited for users looking for a smoother and quieter experience. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, and choosing between them will depend on whether sound or a more subdued tactile experience is more important to the individual user.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches, consider your typing preferences and use cases. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out for its medium 60-gram bottom-out force, providing a satisfying combination of a vibrant auditory experience and a smooth tactile feel. If you enjoy a lively typing experience with a subtle bounce and snappiness, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming sessions, these switches are an excellent choice. They cater particularly well to budget-conscious users who still want a quality auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, while we don't have specific data on bottom-out force for the Gateron Glory Yellow, they are known for their smooth keystroke and a pleasant travel distance. If you prefer switches that emphasize a seamless typing experience without any noticeable resistance, these might appeal to you, especially for those long hours of work or study. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value auditory feedback and a lively feel from your switches or if you prioritize smooth, effortless keystrokes for extended usability. Consider your typing style and preferences to find which switch complements your needs best.
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