Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish both offer unique tactile experiences tailored to different user preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its prominent tactile bump, delivering an invigorating feedback with a loud, bassy sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the EverFree Grayish stands out as a well-rounded tactile option, featuring a medium weight and a neutral sound profile—qualities that make it an approachable choice for both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. The EF Grayish's custom manufacturing and balanced tactile feel ensure a satisfying keypress without the excessive noise of its counterpart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish, it's clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This commonality plays a significant role in the acoustic characteristics of the switches. The use of polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This material's translucency also provides aesthetic benefits, especially for users who prefer RGB lighting, as polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. Therefore, users can expect a similar, crisp sound profile from both switches, making them suitable for those who prioritize auditory feedback in their keyboard interactions.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge, with both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish employing nylon for their bottoms. This choice impacts the sound profile significantly, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. The inherent qualities of nylon contribute to a more muted sound in comparison to the crisper tones produced by polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder and more subdued effect. Users will find that the differences in bottom housing material facilitate distinct sound profiles, providing a unique typing experience with each switch while still maintaining a sense of cohesion through the shared polycarbonate tops.
Ultimately, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish showcase similarities in their top housing material, it's the combination with their respective bottom housings that defines the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate tops enhance sharpness and clarity, while the nylon bottoms soften the impact of keystrokes, making for a balanced auditory landscape. These characteristics demonstrate that even within switches that might seem similar due to material overlap, nuanced differences still provide unique tactile and auditory responses to users, allowing for personal preference to play a crucial role in user satisfaction.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch exhibit notable differences in actuation force, which can influence user preference based on typing style and comfort. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a light actuation force of 30 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, whether at work or during gaming marathons. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Grayish has a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Gateron EverFree switch is unavailable, the contrast between the two switches' actuation forces clearly positions the Creamy Purple Pro as the lighter option and the EverFree as the heavier one. Users looking for a switch that facilitates longer periods of typing with less effort may gravitate towards the Akko option, whereas those who enjoy a firmer keystroke may favor the Gateron switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, it is evident that they exhibit differing distances. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a more responsive option suitable for gamers who prefer quicker actuation and faster response times. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Grayish features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm, which may provide a more substantial tactile feel for users who enjoy a deeper keystroke. This distinction in travel distances reflects the preferences of different users: those seeking rapid, snappy performance should opt for the shorter 3 mm distance, while those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke may gravitate towards the longer 3.4 mm distance of the EverFree switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
The Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EverFree (EF) Grayish for $2.69.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with a loud auditory profile that is distinctly bassy, making it a notable choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing. This can create an engaging and lively spring to your typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish offers a neutral sound signature, which is moderate in both volume and tone. This makes it a versatile option for a wide range of environments, whether it be a quiet home office or a more bustling workspace, ensuring that it won't overpower the surroundings while still conveying the satisfying feedback of a tactile switch.
Regarding the feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a large, invigorating tactile bump that provides a clear indication of actuation, which many typists find satisfying and energizing during use. This prominent tactile feedback may attract those who appreciate an assertive typing sensation. On the other hand, the EverFree (EF) Grayish employs a stepped tactile design, which offers two distinct phases during the keystroke. This design allows for a more gentle typing experience with both pre-travel and post-travel sensations, complemented by a snappy response due to its responsive mechanics. The snappy feel allows for quick typing and enhances the overall engagement during prolonged usage.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches cater to different preferences while still delivering enjoyable tactile experiences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by its loud and bassy sound and invigorating tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer bold auditory and tactile sensations. In contrast, the EverFree switch offers a more subdued, neutral sound with a stepped tactile feel that's responsive yet gentle, making it suitable for users who value versatility in various settings. Choosing between these options ultimately comes down to personal preference, but each provides a distinct touch to your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a louder, bassy sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice, especially for those who love the sensation of a strong tactile bump, making it ideal for gaming or typing experiences where feedback is crucial. However, if you prefer a more balanced approach, with a neutral sound signature and a less pronounced tactile experience, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch would serve you well, offering a comfortable key feel suitable for both beginners and experienced typists alike, making it versatile for both home and office use. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing habits, whether you crave the excitement of a stronger tactile response or the ease of a more subdued, balanced switch.
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