Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver stand out for their distinct characteristics and intended use. The Creamy Purple Pro, with its pronounced tactile bump and robust bassy sound signature, caters to typists and gamers alike who crave a more tactile feedback while typing or gaming. Its loud acoustics speak to those who enjoy a little auditory flourish in their keystrokes. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver focuses on gaming performance, offering a speedy 3.4mm travel distance that caters to competitive gamers who need rapid actuation for split-second reactions. Its medium-high pitch and frosted light diffuser enhance the overall gaming aesthetics with vibrant RGB lighting, making it an appealing choice for those looking to optimize both performance and visual appeal. While both switches have their merits—one prioritizing tactile satisfaction and the other emphasizing speed and responsiveness—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
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper acoustics. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes significantly to this sound quality, enhancing the resonance and clarity when typing. Both switches, with their translucent top housings, also accommodate RGB lighting effectively, providing aesthetic versatility for users who desire illuminated keyboards. This commonality suggests that users can expect an enjoyable and vibrant typing experience from both switches, particularly when it comes to sound clarity and visual effects.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches are made from nylon, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, contrasting sharply with the crispness provided by the polycarbonate top. As a classic switch housing material, nylon softens the auditory experience, creating a more rounded tone that can be more pleasant for extended typing sessions. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in defining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users may find that while the sound upon keystroke release is bright and clear due to the polycarbonate, the initial actuation will resonate with a fuller and deeper character influenced by the nylon.
Given that both switches feature the same combination of materials—polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom—it can be expected that they will deliver a similar overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top enhances sound clarity and RGB aesthetic, while the nylon bottom provides a rich and full sound profile. Therefore, both switches offer a balanced auditory experience, merging the advantages of each material to create a versatile performance that caters to various user preferences in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their unique characteristics. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feedback feel. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that once fully pressed down, they exhibit similar resistance regardless of their actuation differences. This means if users appreciate the bottoming out experience, both switches will provide the same tactile sensation at that point. Overall, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, beneficial for those seeking comfort over longer use periods, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a heftier actuation force for users who favor a more pronounced push when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver features a longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that for users who favor a more responsive experience, the Akko switch may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can offer quicker actuation ideal for gaming. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing might prefer the Gateron switch's longer travel distance, which provides a more pronounced depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness.
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 G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 tactile switch is known for a loud, bassier signature, providing a rich auditory experience with noticeable depth. Users can expect a powerful sound that enhances the typing experience but could be jarring in quieter settings. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offers a notably medium-high pitch, which gives it a sharper, more exhilarating auditory element suitable for gaming. The sound profile here tends to be less about thump and more about clarity, complementing the rapid responsiveness of the switch. While both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, the Creamy Purple Pro leans more toward a thocky, low-pitched resonance, whereas the Silver switch emphasizes a brighter tone, making the overall auditory experiences quite different.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for a pronounced tactile bump that enhances feedback during typing, making it an engaging choice for those who appreciate a tactile response. This tactile feel encourages a conscious keystroke, giving users a satisfying sensation with every press. Meanwhile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is highlighted for its smooth and buttery keystroke, created by either factory lubrication or premium materials that deliver a seamless typing motion. This switch feels exceptionally smooth and fluid, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming where rapid key presses are essential. While both switches offer unique tactile experiences – one focusing on tactile feedback and the other on lubrication and smoothness – they cater to different preferences: those who enjoy tactile sensations versus those who prioritize a fluid keystroke.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch present diverse auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro excels in providing a rich, bass-heavy sound and textured feedback during typing, ideal for those who enjoy tactile confirmation. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Silver shines with its smooth keystrokes and a brighter sound profile suited for gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on whether you value tactile feedback and rich sound or prioritize smoothness and responsiveness in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback and auditory experience while typing or gaming, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent option due to its satisfying tactile bump and low-pitched, thocky sound signature. This switch is perfect for those who relish a more traditional typing experience and prefer feeling every keystroke distinctly. On the other hand, if you're primarily focused on enhancing your gaming performance, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches could be the better choice, as their shorter travel distance and smooth, buttery action allow for quicker and more responsive key presses. The vibrant RGB lighting and the relatively high-pitched sound profile add an exciting element to your gaming setup, making these switches a great fit for competitive gamers seeking rapid input and an engaging sound experience. In summary, consider your usage scenario—whether you prioritize tactile feedback or gaming responsiveness—to determine which switch aligns best with your typing and gaming style.
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