Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly option that provides a poppy, clacky sound and smooth tactile feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy an auditory experience paired with a creamy texture. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver offers lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. It is a great option for those who prioritize speed and a light keypress. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, a key difference lies in the top housing component. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing that creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This distinction in sound profile emphasizes the importance of the top housing material in determining the overall auditory experience of each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches exhibit differences in material composition. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro boasts a nylon bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Smoothie Silver also uses a POM bottom housing, contributing to its pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and muted end of the sound spectrum. These differences in bottom housing material highlight how the choice of material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
While the housing materials of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Smoothie Silver offer distinct sound profiles, they ultimately share similarities in their emphasis on creating a unique and pleasing typing experience. Both switches feature a top housing material that contributes to the sound when pressing down on a key, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro showcasing a crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Smoothie Silver presents a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing. Similarly, their bottom housing materials, nylon for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and POM for the Smoothie Silver, aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a fuller sound profile that caters to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unknown. This means that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires a bit more force to both trigger a keystroke and fully press the key compared to the Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Smoothie Silver could offer a lighter typing experience for longer durations. It is important for users to consider their personal preferences when choosing between these switches.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience. Those who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel may lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, while those who enjoy a slightly more substantial key press may prefer the Smoothie Silver. In general, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them suitable for those looking for a faster typing 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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a poppy, clacky sound, creating a vibrant auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver provides a thocky sound, delivering a unique sound profile that stands out. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the poppy and clacky sound of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro or the thocky sound of the Smoothie Silver for an enjoyable typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The feathery feel of the switch adds to the comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for various purposes such as gaming, school, or work. Additionally, the bouncy and snappy attributes of the switch provide a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's feel is unknown at this time, but it is noted for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer unique sound profiles and different tactile experiences. Users looking for a poppy and clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press and feathery feel may prefer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. On the other hand, those who value a thocky sound and unparalleled smoothness with a feather-light touch may lean towards the Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal sound and feel preferences to achieve a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a poppy, clacky sound paired with a smooth tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, and an extremely light touch, the Smoothie Silver may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value sound and feel characteristics such as poppy clacks and creamy tactility, or lightning-fast actuation and a feather-light touch. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and enjoy a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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