Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they each cater to different preferences and needs. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is perfect for those on a budget who enjoy a satisfying poppy and clacky sound paired with a smooth tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is ideal for those who require a quieter typing experience, offering a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal noise. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black boasts a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While both offer unique sound profiles, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing may be more suitable for those looking for a crisper and more pronounced typing experience compared to the Silent Ink Black.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a nylon bottom housing known for its deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing complements its top housing with a similar high-pitched sound profile. Both housing materials offer a different tactile experience, with the nylon bottom housing providing a more cushioned feel compared to the more pointed feel of the INK blend bottom housing in the Silent Ink Black.
Overall, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer distinctive sound profiles based on their housing materials, they also share similarities in their high-pitched and detailed sound characteristics. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing may appeal to those seeking a sharper sounding switch, while the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend housing provides a unique clacky typing experience. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate or softer nylon, both switches offer a tactile and satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black is heavier with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Silent Ink Black will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro will be lighter and more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Despite the differences in force, both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. Generally, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance provides a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be the better option. However, if you enjoy a more substantial key press, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be the way to go. Both switches offer different experiences based on their respective travel distances.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 offers a poppy and clacky sound, providing users with a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch produces a muted sound, designed for quieter typing environments. The muted sound reduces the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a more lively sound compared to the Silent Ink Black's subdued sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities contribute to a smooth and low-impact typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Cream Yellow Pro focusing on responsiveness and low-impact typing, while the Silent Ink Black prioritizes smoothness and reduced resistance during key presses.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Cream Yellow Pro provides a poppy sound and a creamy tactile feel, ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience paired with easy key presses, the Silent Ink Black offers a muted sound and a silky smooth feel, catering to users in need of a quieter typing environment with minimal resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a budget-friendly option with a poppy sound and smooth feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a great choice. On the other hand, if you need a quieter option with a soft bottom-out feel, the Silent Ink Black is the way to go. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs, so choose based on what suits your typing style and environment best.
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