Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, with notable options such as the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Glory Red. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by its prominent tactile bump and a robust, bass-heavy sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback during typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red offers a smoother, linear keystroke that promotes a quieter environment and a consistently enjoyable typing experience, appealing to users who favor fluid key presses over tactile acknowledgment. While both switches cater to different preferences—tactile versus linear—each one promises a unique touch to your keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Glory Red, a notable distinction arises in the choice of materials for their top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, known for its stiffer composition that produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This quality lends the switch a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience, making it particularly appealing for users who prioritize a lively and vibrant sound when typing. In contrast, the Glory Red opts for a nylon top housing, which lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's softer properties. Consequently, the acoustic character of the Glory Red switch tends to be more subdued, promoting a quieter and rounder typing experience that may appeal to users looking for less pronounced auditory feedback.
Both switches, however, feature nylon for their bottom housings, which aligns them in terms of sound absorption characteristics. The use of nylon, a classic switch housing material, results in a similar auditory impact, fostering a deep and full sound profile upon bottoming out. This shared quality in the bottom housing means that, regardless of the differences in their respective top housings, both switches offer a pleasant tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience. Since the bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel, both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Glory Red will resonate similarly during this phase of the keystroke.
Ultimately, the difference in top housing material leads to contrasting sound profiles between the two switches. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro’s polycarbonate top fosters sharper acoustics, the Gateron Glory Red’s nylon top facilitates a more rounded auditory experience. However, since both employ nylon in their bottoms, they maintain a degree of familiarity in terms of feel and sound, especially during the act of bottoming out. Switch enthusiasts may gravitate towards one over the other based on personal preference for the tonal qualities introduced by the top housing, but both designs promise consistent performance through their use of nylon in the bottom housing, yielding commendable typing experiences in their own right.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there is a significant difference in actuation forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming periods. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial push feel, which some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. While the bottom out force for the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is currently unknown. This means that while the V3 switch has a defined feeling when pressed down completely, the experience with the Glory Red may be more ambiguous without that specific measurement. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter feel would likely gravitate towards the Creamy Purple Pro, while those who enjoy a heavier key press may opt for the Glory Red.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, it’s clear that they differ significantly. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a more responsive option that suits gamers looking for quicker actuation. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, offering a bit more depth in each keystroke, which some users may find more satisfying. Therefore, if you're seeking a shorter, more sensitive experience, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, while the Gateron Glory Red caters to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the shorter option, and the Glory Red is the longer one.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with a loud sound signature that leans toward a bassier pitch. This richer, more pronounced auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience, especially for users who enjoy a more assertive sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red switch is designed to be quieter, offering a smooth and subtle keystroke without the pronounced audible feedback. Those seeking a more discreet typing experience might prefer the Glory Red, while the louder, bassier sound of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro appeals to users who enjoy the emphasis of each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a significant tactile bump that users often find invigorating and engaging. This tactile feedback can lead to a more satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy feeling the moment of actuation. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red switch offers a smooth and consistent keystroke that many typists appreciate for its fluidity. The absence of tactile feedback in the Glory Red provides a distinct typing experience that can be preferable for gamers or those who prioritize uninterrupted key presses over tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Glory Red comes down to personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you prefer a pronounced tactile experience and a loud, bass-heavy sound, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will likely suit you well. However, if a smooth, quieter typing experience is more appealing, the Gateron Glory Red would be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different tastes, ensuring that newcomers can find something that meets their specific needs in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback and don’t mind a louder typing experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice. Its 50 grams of bottom-out force and significant tactile bump will cater well to those who appreciate a more involved typing sensation, making it particularly suitable for typing and gaming scenarios where feedback is crucial. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter and smoother keystroke with a lighter touch, the Gateron Glory Red would be more fitting. This switch excels in providing a seamless experience for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions, where you might prioritize speed and subtlety over tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards the tactile and auditory excitement of the Creamy Purple Pro or the sleek, silent efficiency of the Glory Red.
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