Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch with the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it becomes clear that each offers unique advantages to suit different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is favored by budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiasts for its poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches are well-suited for office environments, providing gentle tactility without sacrificing satisfying feedback, making them perfect for long hours of comfortable typing with a muted sound profile. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Mini i, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either of these switches.
However, the main point of differentiation between the two switches lies in the materials used for their top housing. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i utilizes a nylon top housing, which will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Mini i will come down to personal preference. Those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile may lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro with its polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile may find the Gateron Mini i more to their liking with its nylon top housing. Regardless of the choice made, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience for users.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Mini i's lighter 40 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires 60 grams while the Mini i needs 50 grams. These differences in force make the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch feel more substantial while typing, providing a stronger push feel, while the Mini i switch offers a lighter typing experience, perfect for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between a lighter or heavier force depends on the user's preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Mini i being slightly longer. The difference of 0.1 mm may not be noticeable to most users, but it could affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switches when typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Gateron Mini i. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar travel distance, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 that adds vibrancy to typing, creating an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i provides a more neutral sound profile, ensuring a subtle and muted typing experience ideal for office settings. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro being more lively and the Mini i being more understated in sound.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is easy-to-press and feathery, offering a smooth and low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The switch also provides a bouncy and snappy feel, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i also offers an easy-to-press and bouncy feel, ensuring comfort during long typing sessions. The mild and subtle characteristics of the Mini i make it suitable for shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is preferred. Both switches provide a comfortable typing feel but cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a more energetic typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Gateron Mini i switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and settings. While the Cream Yellow Pro excels in providing a lively and engaging sound profile paired with a smooth and responsive typing experience, the Mini i focuses on a more neutral sound and gentle tactile feedback suitable for office environments. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance and comfort, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences. By considering the sound and feel characteristics of each switch, newcomers can choose the one that best suits their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a satisfying combination of sound and smoothness, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches provide a poppy, clacky sound and a decent smoothness ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, if you require a switch that offers gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be a great fit for you. With a lightweight feel, these switches are perfect for long hours of comfortable typing without the intrusive clack, making them ideal for office use or shared spaces where quiet professionalism is necessary. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and the specific environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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