Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch, and the Gateron Ink Red, also a linear switch, it is important to note their key differences. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches are praised for their satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making them ideal for budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red stands out for its lower actuation force, making it perfect for individuals with a lighter typing style. The Ink Reds are known for their smoothness, crispy and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Ink Red, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In contrast, the Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing that is characterized by a relatively high-pitched, yet not overly sharp sound profile. Both materials provide a satisfying sound experience, with the polycarbonate offering a clearer and resonant tone, while the INK blend provides a clacky and pointed sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro incorporates a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red also features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which compliments the top housing with a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red complements the overall sound profile with a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Ink Red play a significant role in determining the sound profile of each switch. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a combination of polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housing respectively, resulting in a clear and deep sound, the Gateron Ink Red relies on its proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing to create a pointed and clacky sound. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences and preferences for sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have similar bottom out forces of 60 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of resistance when pressing the key all the way down. However, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Red's 45 grams, making it the heavier of the two. This difference in actuation force may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience with the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while the Gateron Ink Red may feel slightly lighter to the touch. Overall, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force, allowing for a comfortable typing experience for a wide range of users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Ink Red. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more responsive typing experience, favored by gamers for its quicker response times. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red provides a deeper key press, which some users may find more satisfying due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether you prefer a shorter, more responsive key press or a longer, more pronounced actuation.
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 Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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 offers a poppy, clacky sound that adds a vibrant auditory experience to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red produces a crispy and clacky sound profile that is satisfyingly smooth. Both switches provide an enjoyable typing experience in terms of sound, with the Cream Yellow Pro leaning towards a more poppy sound, while the Ink Red offers a slightly chirpy feel.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an easy-to-press quality, offering gentle resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This switch provides a feathery, bouncy, and snappy feel that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red offers a silky and mild typing experience that is smooth and gentle on the fingers. Both switches exhibit a polished finish that contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Ink Red switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow Pro leans towards a poppy and clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press and bouncy feel, the Ink Red provides a crispy and clacky sound with a silky and mild typing experience. Choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer smooth and satisfying typing experiences with their own distinct qualities. Ultimately, both switches are reliable options that can provide similar results depending on your preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiast looking for a satisfying combination of poppy sound and creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing style and enjoy a smooth, crispy, and clacky sound profile, then the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, so consider what aspects are most important to you when making your selection.
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