Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Black both offer unique features worth considering. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch known for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it a great choice for those looking for a vibrant auditory experience and creamy tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black impresses with its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', the Gateron Ink Box Black is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', 'Polished'. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Black, both switches feature unique characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature, while the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and clacky sound that is not overly sharp. However, both materials are known for enhancing the sound quality of the switches, with polycarbonate being favored for its translucency and compatibility with RGB lighting, while the INK blend provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings of the switches, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While both materials contribute to the overall sound experience of the switches, nylon is known for creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the INK blend material.
It is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings of a switch will impact different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Black, both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to distinct preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ink Box Black's 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires 60 grams while the Ink Box Black needs 70 grams, making the latter slightly heavier in this aspect. The lighter actuation force of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Ink Box Black may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Overall, both switches offer a medium actuation force but differ slightly in bottom out force, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. The difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience for users. Those who prefer a quicker and more responsive key press may lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more deliberate and deeper keystroke may find the Ink Box Black to be more suitable. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch produces a high-pitched and sharp sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a smooth and low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch offers a silky and polished feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches prioritize smoothness and responsiveness, offering a comfortable typing experience for users.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Cream Yellow Pro switch focuses on a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel, the Ink Box Black switch prioritizes smoothness and sharp sound. Depending on whether you prefer a clacky and bouncy feel or a silky and polished one, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a budget-conscious enthusiast looking for a satisfying combination of poppy sound and smooth feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience with a sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is the way to go. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure you find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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