Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the advantages of various options, such as the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro, a linear switch, is celebrated for its budget-friendly appeal, delivering a poppy, clacky sound along with a creamy tactile feel that provides an engaging auditory experience while typing. This switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press,' 'Feathery,' 'Bouncy,' 'Snappy,' and 'Polished,' making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate smooth keystrokes with a lively feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, a tactile switch, brings a more subtle tactile experience to the table, offering a balanced sound profile that enhances its tactile characteristics without being overly pronounced. The choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on personal preference—whether one prefers the vibrant energy of the Cream Yellow Pro or the understated elegance of the Weightlessness. 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
50g
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
3.40 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-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches showcase distinct sound characteristics rooted in their top and bottom housing compositions. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. This characteristic allows the light to shine through effectively, enhancing visual appeal. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, which tends to absorb sound better, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The differences in the top housing materials significantly influence the initial sound perception when typing, with the polycarbonate offering more brightness and clarity.
While both switches incorporate nylon as the bottom housing material, the similarities in this aspect allow for a unified auditory experience on the lower end of the spectrum. The nylon bottom housing in both switches produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound rather than reflecting it. This softness contributes to a duller and rounder sound, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. Consequently, both switches will evoke similar sensations on the bottom-out feel, as the nylon material dampens the keystroke impact, providing a consistent experience despite the differences in their top housing materials.
In essence, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Gateron Weightlessness switches contrast notably in their top housing choices, leading to diverse sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro achieves a light and resonant sound through its polycarbonate top, the Weightlessness opts for a more subdued and rich auditory experience with its nylon top. However, they converge in experience regarding the bottom housing, as both utilize nylon to enhance comfort and depth in sound. Such a combination ensures that regardless of the top housing differences, users will find a satisfying keystroke experience in both switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch both feature the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a moderate push during typing or gaming. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a defined bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown. This means that while both switches provide a similar feel during the initial actuation, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a heavier feedback when fully pressed down, which could appeal to users who favor a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is considered the heavier option in terms of bottoming out, while the actuation force remains consistent across both switches. If longer typing sessions are a priority, users might appreciate the lighter feel that both switches share, but the lack of a bottom out figure for the Weightlessness switch leaves some ambiguity regarding its overall resistance profile when fully pressed.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Weightlessness has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more responsive feel, making it a great choice for gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes, potentially providing a more tactile experience. Overall, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the shorter switch, whereas the Gateron Weightlessness is the longer option, catering to different preferences in keyboard feel and responsiveness.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is characterized by a poppy, clacky tone that offers an engaging auditory experience, especially appealing to those who enjoy a vibrant sound when typing. This lively acoustic signature can enhance the overall enjoyment of using a mechanical keyboard. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches present a more balanced sound profile, described as subtle to moderate, which provides a quieter, less intrusive auditory backdrop. This makes the Weightlessness switches suitable for users who prefer a more subdued typing sound. Keep in mind that the final sound experience with either switch will also depend on the choice of keyboard plate, construction material, and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches shine with their array of descriptors. They are easy-to-press, which means they require minimal force to actuate, making them highly comfortable for extended typing sessions. Their feathery lightness offers reduced finger fatigue, while the bouncy and snappy characteristics deliver lively feedback, giving users a sense of quick responsiveness. The polishing aspect adds to the experience by ensuring a smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a subtle tactile feedback but are less explicit in describing their overall feel. Thus, while they may offer a comfortable typing experience, the specific tactile qualities might not provide the same pronounced feedback as the Akko switch.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to distinct preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro excels with its lively sound and responsive tactile feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Weightlessness switches offer a more subdued auditory experience and a subtle tactile sensation, appealing to users who enjoy quiet and less intrusive operation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize an energetic sound and feel or a more muted and balanced typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you prioritize in your typing or gaming experience. If you are inclined towards a lively and expressive typing sound, coupled with a smoother feel that is easy on your fingers, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams makes it suitable for both casual typing and gaming, while its bouncy and snappy characteristics ensure a responsive feedback that can enhance your overall experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a subtler tactile sensation along with a balanced sound profile, then the Gateron Weightlessness switch may be better suited for you. Although its exact bottom-out force is not specified, the tactile feel it provides can offer a satisfying typing experience without being overly assertive, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter yet engaging switch. Thus, your decision should reflect your typing style, comfort level, and whether auditory feedback or tactile feel holds more significance for you.
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