Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Ink Box Pink mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth tactile feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience coupled with a creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink stands out for its smoothness and lighter typing feel, producing a higher-pitched clack that adds a touch of elegance to the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
60g
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 Pink, one noticeable difference is in the top housing. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, which enhances the resonant sound of the switch. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which also produces a pointed and high-pitched sound profile but with a slightly less sharp quality, resulting in a satisfying and clacky sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing to create a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, also characterized by a high-pitched sound profile. This bottom housing material contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch, specifically impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Despite the differences in the housing materials of these switches, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Pink offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a slightly softer but still clacky sound experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a deep and fuller sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink contributes to a high-pitched and satisfying sound profile. Overall, both switches provide distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, both switches have a similar actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making them equally medium in terms of weight. The actuation force is the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force required to press the key all the way down. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer durations, both switches would provide a comfortable option. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, they may opt for a switch with heavier forces. Ultimately, whether one chooses the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro or the Gateron Ink Box Pink would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for faster reactions. However, some users may find the longer travel distance of the Ink Box Pink to provide a more satisfying keypress with a sense of depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Pink 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 Pink 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is known for its poppy, clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch produces a higher-pitched clack when pressed, offering a sharper and crisper sound profile. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Cream Yellow Pro leaning towards a clacky sound, while the Ink Box Pink provides a higher-pitched sound.
Moving on to the feel aspect, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities ensure a smooth and responsive typing experience, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced friction. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a more dynamic and bouncy feel compared to the smoothness of the Ink Box Pink.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow Pro provides a vibrant auditory experience with a combination of poppy and clacky sounds, the Ink Box Pink offers a higher-pitched clack. In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow Pro delivers a dynamic and responsive typing experience with a blend of bounciness and smoothness, while the Ink Box Pink focuses on delivering an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced friction. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, and users can expect satisfying results based on their personal sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a poppy, clacky sound paired with a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, higher-pitched sound with a lighter typing feel, the Ink Box Pink could be more suitable. Consider your typing experience and what characteristics are important to you when making your decision between these two switches.
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