Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch, and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), also a linear switch. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth tactile feel, providing an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is known for its smoothness and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it versatile for both gaming and typing purposes. While the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a bouncy and snappy feel, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro excels in providing a low-pitched, buttery experience. Each switch caters to different preferences and needs, but diving deeper into their specific qualities will help you choose the best fit for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to the bottom housing material.
However, the top housings of these switches differ, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizing a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucency also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The choice between polycarbonate and nylon for the top housing will impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offering a clearer and resonant sound versus the Milky Yellow Pro's duller and rounder sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing will provide a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro's nylon top housing will offer a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for those looking for a more muffled typing experience. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, both have a similar actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally sensitive in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Milky Yellow Pro's 62 grams, making the former slightly easier to press all the way down. This difference may not be significant for most users, but for those who prefer a lighter overall typing experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel during typing may opt for the Milky Yellow Pro instead. Ultimately, the weight difference between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces when using either switch.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch's 4 mm travel distance. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires less distance for activation, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro switch provides a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key press depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, so users can expect unique typing or gaming experiences depending on their selection.
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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 offers a poppy, clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is characterized by a low, "thocky" sound, which gives a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. The Milky Yellow's sound is more bass-heavy and mellow, appealing to those who enjoy a satisfyingly thick resistance while typing or gaming. It's important to note that sound can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's build and keycap materials.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is known for being buttery and textured. The buttery feel indicates a smooth and fluid keystroke, while the textured aspect provides noticeable friction when pressed. These qualities cater to users who prefer a seamless and uniform typing sensation or who enjoy a slight tactile feedback during key presses.
Considering all available information, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) have their unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out for its poppy sound and smooth feel, ideal for those seeking a creamy tactile experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) excels in providing a low, thocky sound and a buttery typing sensation, making it a versatile choice for both typing and gaming tasks. Ultimately, both switches offer quality features that can enhance your typing or gaming experience based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switches, it all depends on your preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a vibrant auditory experience and a creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth and buttery typing experience that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) would be a perfect fit. The Milky Yellow Pro offers a low, "thocky" sound and satisfyingly thick resistance, making it versatile for various typing needs. So, whether you prioritize sound, feel, or overall performance, both switches have their unique strengths to cater to your specific preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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