Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they cater to different preferences and usage scenarios. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is ideal for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for a tactile and audible typing experience, with its poppy sound and smooth feel. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are tailored for office settings, offering a quiet typing experience that is suitable for professional environments. The Akko switch is characterized by being easy-to-press and bouncy, while the Gateron switch is known for its subtle and neutral feel. 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
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Gateron Mountain Top's nylon top housing. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Gateron Mountain Top elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. While both materials have their unique qualities, the polycarbonate top housing of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a distinct sound experience compared to the deeper sound profile of the nylon top housing of the Gateron Mountain Top.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top feature nylon housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer composition. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch will be influenced by the qualities of the nylon bottom housing. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent sound experience when typing, with the nylon material absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder sound profile for both switches. Despite the different top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top promises a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of each keystroke. While the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile ideal for RGB lighting, the Gateron Mountain Top's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent and round sound profile for typing. Whether one prefers a sharper sound profile or a deeper sound experience, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top cater to different preferences while delivering high-quality typing performance.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the heavier option. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Mountain Top is the lighter of the two switches. The actuation force of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is higher, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Mountain Top's lighter actuation force may be favored by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on the user's preferences, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offering a medium actuation and bottom out force, and the Mountain Top offering a lighter touch overall.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking quick response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper keystroke may find the Mountain Top switch more to their liking. Overall, both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to more traditional options, making them both suitable choices for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their 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 Mountain Top 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 is best described as offering a poppy, clacky sound ideal for those seeking a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a more neutral sound profile, designed for use in office environments where discretion is key. Both switches offer different sound profiles catering to different preferences, ensuring that users can personalize their typing experience based on their surroundings and personal preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as bouncy and snappy, providing users with a responsive and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch also offers an easy-to-press and bouncy feel, ensuring that users can type effortlessly and comfortably for extended periods. The Mountain Top switch is characterized as mild and subtle, providing a gentle typing experience suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Gateron Mountain Top switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences and environments. While the Akko switch provides a more vibrant auditory experience and creamy tactile feel, the Gateron switch focuses on discretion and comfort in office settings. However, both switches offer quality performance and can enhance the typing experience for users, ensuring that they can achieve satisfying results with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch or the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it all boils down to your preferences and needs. If you are on a budget and looking for a switch that offers a vibrant auditory experience with a creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a great option. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience tailored for professional settings, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to whether you prefer a medium bottom out force with a poppy sound or a light bottom out force with a more subdued typing experience. Keep in mind your sound and feel preferences to make the decision that best fits your typing style and environment.
Mentioned in this article
