Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2 mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider the differences in their characteristics and performance. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch popular among budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, making it a long-time favorite within the keyboard community. While the Cream Yellow Pro offers a vibrant auditory experience and a creamy tactile feel, the Ink Black V2 provides a low-pitched, bassy sound with a mild touch. 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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2, both switches feature unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper and crisper sound profile that is further enhanced by its translucency for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and high-pitched sound profile described as clacky. While the materials differ, both switches aim to deliver a distinct auditory experience that appeals to users seeking specific sound qualities.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro incorporates a nylon bottom housing known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller yet rounder sound. Conversely, the Ink Black V2 features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which mirrors the top housing's pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to provide users with a tactile and satisfying typing experience through the unique sound profiles created by their bottom housing materials.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact with the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that the qualities of each material are crucial in determining the sound and feel of the switch. While the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced upon releasing a key. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Ink Black V2 may use different housing materials, they both work in harmony to create a distinctive typing experience tailored to the preferences of individual users. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharper resonance of polycarbonate or the clacky sound of Gateron's INK blend, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to diverse typing preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, which has an actuation force of 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow Pro requires 60 grams while the Ink Black V2 requires 70 grams, making the latter switch the heavier option. Some may prefer the Cream Yellow Pro for its lighter actuation force, which allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, while others may opt for the more substantial typing experience provided by the heavier actuation force of the Ink Black V2. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Ink Black V2's 4 mm. The Cream Yellow Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 may provide a more substantial keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so selecting the switch that best suits individual preferences is key in achieving optimal performance.
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 Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for its poppy, clacky sound paired with a smooth tactile feel, providing a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a low-pitched, bassy sound profile with a rich clack, giving a more mellow and deep tone during key presses. When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and snappy, providing a responsive and low-impact typing experience. In comparison, the Ink Black V2 switch is described as mild and polished, offering a more gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. Overall, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch emphasizes a satisfying sound and creamy tactile feel, the Ink Black V2 switch focuses on a rich and deep sound profile paired with a smooth and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a customized experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, you should consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly heavier bottom out force and a smooth downstroke with a rich clack, the Ink Black V2 would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, so consider your typing style and preferences before making a decision.
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