Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Gateron Mars present two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out as a budget-friendly choice that delivers a delightful auditory punch with its poppy, clacky sound profile and smooth performance, making it perfect for users who enjoy a more vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches offer an innovative design that combines a POK stem with a nylon and POM housing, setting themselves apart in terms of durability and consistent keystroke performance, though specific sound characteristics are less emphasized. While the Akko switch excels in delivering a lively and tactile feel, particularly appealing to those who cherish auditory feedback, the Gateron Mars focuses on longevity and steadiness, which can cater to users prioritizing a refined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the switch housings of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Mars, distinct materials used for the top housings create diverging auditory experiences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, which enables a sharper and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes the switch resonate more vividly, especially enhanced by its translucency, which is advantageous for RGB lighting scenarios. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing that offers a softer sound profile. This material absorbs more sound energy, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience. The variance in top housing material is pivotal as it dictates the tonal quality when releasing the key—users can expect a brighter, more pronounced sound from the V3 compared to the rounder and more muted sound of the Mars.
Examining the bottom housings of these switches further highlights their differences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro employs a nylon bottom housing, which also contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile similar to the top housing of the Gateron Mars. This consistency ensures that the bottom-out experience remains rich and resonant. In contrast, the Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, which is recognized for producing a unique and pleasing sound that remains on the deeper side while being relatively more muted. Although both switches feature materials that contribute to a rounded sound, the differences in bottom housing materials mean that the V3 leans towards a fuller engagement while bottoming out, whereas the Mars generates a more subdued yet distinct sound.
Ultimately, the interplay of these housing materials significantly influences the overall sound experience when typing on each switch. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro’s combination of polycarbonate and nylon produces a balanced sound, characterized by sharper tones and rich depths, the Gateron Mars garners its unique auditory signature from the softer nylon and POM materials. Thus, while users can expect certain similarities—such as a fuller sound due to the nylon—differences in top and bottom housing materials lead to distinctively different performances. By leveraging the combination of these materials, users can tailor their typing sound and feel based on their preferences, yet they will find that the unique attributes of each switch will yield varying auditory experiences, highlighting the importance of material choice in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Mars switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter feel may lean toward the Gateron Mars for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to actuate. However, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons on that aspect. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro, on the other hand, has a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a firmer feel when fully pressed down. As a result, the Akko switch provides a more substantial typing experience for users who appreciate a heavier touch, while the Gateron Mars may cater to those who prefer a lighter switch overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, a notable difference arises. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Gateron Mars measures in at 3.6 mm, which is longer. This distinction can affect the typing experience significantly; for those who favor quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be more appealing. In contrast, the longer 3.6 mm travel distance of the Mars switch offers a deeper press, which some might prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding depth and responsiveness during use.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 creates a poppy and clacky auditory experience that is quite vibrant, adding an engaging layer to typing or gaming sessions. This engaging sound profile is particularly inviting for users who enjoy a more expressive acoustics while they type. The Gateron Mars, on the other hand, does not have a well-defined sound profile mentioned, but it's worth noting that sound can be influenced by factors such as keycap choice and keyboard construction. Therefore, while the Akko V3 offers a distinctive auditory feedback, the Mars may have a more neutral or unknown sound that could vary based on the user’s setup.
When considering the feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out with its easy-to-press mechanism that requires minimal force, making it particularly comfortable for extended typing sessions. The switches feature a feathery lightness and a bouncy feedback, allowing for a lively and responsive experience. The polished nature of the switch contributes to a smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, there is limited information available about the feel of the Gateron Mars switches, which makes it difficult to provide a direct comparison. Hence, without specific descriptors for their tactile response, one cannot draw definite conclusions about their comfort or engagement level.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are characterized by their engaging sound profile and a notably comfortable and responsive feel, making them a strong choice for those who prioritize auditory feedback and ease of use. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches, while unique in design, lack specific details about their sound and feel, leaving potential users in the dark regarding their tactile experience. If you are drawn to an expressive sound and a lively typing feel, the V3 could be the way to go, while the Mars may necessitate further exploration to uncover its potential benefits.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch depends on your personal preferences and specific needs. If you value a satisfying auditory experience along with a creamy tactile feedback, then the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the way to go. Its 60 grams of bottom-out force offers a balanced feel that is both responsive and engaging, making it suitable for long typing sessions, whether for work or gaming. The light actuation force and bouncy, polished nature ensure that you’ll experience reduced finger fatigue and a lively typing experience. On the other hand, if you are curious about unique designs and the potential for innovation, the Gateron Mars might pique your interest. While specific details about its sound and feel are less defined, the combination of the POK stem and a housing crafted from nylon and POM could provide a distinct typing experience tailored for those who appreciate a blend of materials. Ultimately, your choice should align with your desired typing feel and the audio experience you seek; whether that’s the energizing feedback of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or the innovative essence of the Gateron Mars, you can't go wrong as long as you consider what matters most for your typing journey.
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