Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is highly regarded for its budget-friendly price and its delightful auditory feedback, combining a poppy, clacky sound with a creamy tactile feel that offers an inviting experience for those who appreciate lively sounds while they type. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight all-POM switch, stands out for its focus on smoothness and a thocky sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a more muted yet satisfying auditory experience. While both switches are linear in design, the Cream Yellow Pro boasts a more vibrant atmosphere, while the Sea Salt Smoothie leans towards a smoother yet heftier feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches present a fascinating comparison in terms of their composition and the resulting sound profiles. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic structure. This material's translucency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal when used with RGB lighting but also contributes to a more resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is equipped with a POM top housing, which fosters a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both materials serve unique purposes in their respective switches, leading to varied auditory experiences that cater to different user preferences.
When examining the bottom housing, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro employs nylon, a classic housing material recognized for its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is also made of POM, which, while creating an appealing and unique sound, still results in a similar muted quality that nylon provides. Both switches utilize their bottom housings to fulfill a critical role in shaping the overall sound and feel during typing, but the combination of materials used in each switch establishes distinct characteristics in their performance.
Ultimately, the differences and similarities between these two switches showcase how the interplay of housing materials can influence the overall user experience. While the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom, is inclined towards a brighter auditory signature, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie leans into a deeper sound profile due to its POM construction in both top and bottom housings. Even though the V3 Cream Yellow Pro creates varied sound profiles through its combination of materials, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's consistent use of POM across both housings can yield a cohesive and satisfying acoustic experience. Thus, while the switches offer different auditory features, both can deliver high-quality results depending on user preference and application.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are clear distinctions in their actuation forces, although the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires a moderately weighted actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a solid choice for users who enjoy a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie is slightly lighter at an actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming sessions. However, without knowing the bottom out force of the Sea Salt Smoothie, it’s difficult to fully assess the switch's feedback during deeper presses. Given these specifications, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the heavier option, while the lighter Sea Salt Smoothie may provide a more agile typing feel. Users seeking a lighter switch for extended use might favor the Gateron, whereas those wanting a more substantial push should consider the Akko.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Cream Yellow Pro is the shorter switch, providing a quicker response ideal for gamers or those who favor a more responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys, offering a deeper typing experience. If you prioritize speed and sharpness in your keystrokes, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better choice, while those who prefer a more deliberate and cushioned approach might find the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie more satisfying.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 linear switch produces a poppy, clacky sound that creates a lively auditory experience. This engaging sound profile can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy the delightful feedback that comes with each keypress. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound, which is typically deeper and more muted. This sound profile can create a more subdued yet satisfying auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a sound that is less pronounced but still enjoyable. Both switches can potentially achieve similarly satisfying sounds depending on keycap choice and keyboard construction; however, they each offer distinct auditory flavors.
When considering the feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out with its easy-to-press actuation, making it a comfortable option for prolonged typing sessions. It features a feathery, bouncy nature that provides a playful sensation with every key press, delivering an overall responsive and snappy experience that many typists and gamers will appreciate. The switch's polished design further enhances its smoothness, ensuring that each keystroke is fluid and refined. Unfortunately, specific details about the Sea Salt Smoothie's feel remain unknown. However, given that it is described as a medium-weight switch made of POM, it is likely to exhibit a smooth actuation and comfort that aligns well with the expectations for high-quality linear switches.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a lively and engaging auditory and tactile experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a more subdued sound profile that may win over users who prefer less noise. The Cream Yellow Pro’s smooth and responsive feel makes it ideal for extended use, while the specifics of the Sea Salt Smoothie's tactile qualities are still to be fully assessed. Ultimately, both switches provide unique experiences that cater to different preferences, and experimentations with keycaps and keyboard configurations can further tailor their performance to individual tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing or gaming style. If you’re seeking a vibrant, auditory experience with a slightly higher actuation force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is ideal for you. Its poppy and clacky sound profile, combined with a bouncy and snappy feel, makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Additionally, the easy-to-press and polished characteristics enhance your overall comfort—perfect for long hours of use. On the other hand, if you prefer something with a smoother, thocky sound profile and a generally linear experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might be the better option. Though its specific bottom-out force remains unknown, it excels in providing an exceptionally smooth feel, which can be advantageous for fast typists or gamers who prioritize rapid key presses without extra noise. Thus, consider the sound, feel, and intended use case for each switch before making your final decision, ensuring you pick the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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