Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gazzew U4 mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a linear switch that offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a poppy, clacky sound. Ideal for those who prefer a vibrant auditory experience, this switch is also budget-friendly and easy to press. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch that boasts a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. With a whisper-quiet sound profile, the U4 is perfect for those who value subtlety in their typing experience. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gazzew U4, we see a clear difference in their top housings. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes polycarbonate, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially useful for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the U4 features a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," which delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more crisp and resonant sound, the U4 provides a deeper and fuller sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro incorporates a nylon material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing qualities. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the U4 also utilizes the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, delivering a rich and deep sound profile like its top housing. Both switches offer a more muffled sound compared to switches with harder bottom housing materials, providing a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gazzew U4 differ in their top housing materials, they both offer a rich and deep sound profile with their respective bottom housing materials. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the U4's Gazzew blend top housing delivers a softer and deeper sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
Both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have medium actuation forces, with the U4 being slightly lighter at 45 grams compared to the V3's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 requires 60 grams, while the U4 needs 62 grams, making the U4 slightly heavier in this aspect. These differences in force can impact the typing experience, as some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the U4 for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the V3 for a more substantial feel while typing. In general, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the U4 may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may prefer the V3. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the difference of 0.3 mm between the two switches may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for quick and responsive keystrokes, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly deeper press with more feedback, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch with its longer travel distance could be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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 linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound that adds a vibrant auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound profile, creating a whisper-quiet typing experience. The choice between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a more lively and audible typing sound with the Cream Yellow Pro, or a quieter and more subdued sound with the U4.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch is described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is characterized by a sharp and intense tactile bump, providing a distinct feedback with each keypress. Depending on your preference for a light and bouncy typing feel with the Cream Yellow Pro, or a strong and crisp tactile bump with the U4, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow Pro provides a more lively and audible typing experience with its poppy sound and smooth feel, while the U4 offers a quieter and more tactile typing experience with its muted sound and sharp tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Always keep in mind that other factors such as keyboard build and keycap choice can also influence the final typing feel and sound output.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a satisfying auditory experience and creamy tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump with a plush bottom-out sensation and a whisper-quiet sound profile, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is the way to go. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches, as both offer unique strengths that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gazzew U4 switches comes down to your personal typing style and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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