Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role in determining your typing experience. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, which enhances the feel of each keystroke and offers a satisfying auditory feedback with a bassier sound signature. Its characteristics—polished, bouncy, invigorating, and accented—make it ideal for users who enjoy a more engaging and tactile experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black, a linear switch, stands out with its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, characterized by a high-pitched, clacky sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. This switch offers a silky typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a quieter and uninterrupted keystroke flow. Both switches possess unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences and styles, making the choice a matter of personal taste. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Black exhibit both similarities and differences that contribute to their overall sound profiles and user experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This translucency of polycarbonate lends itself to an appealing aesthetic when paired with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual experience. In contrast, the Ink Box Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which, while also delivering a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, is described as less sharp compared to polycarbonate. Both switches, therefore, can produce satisfying higher-pitched sounds, but the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's use of polycarbonate is likely to generate a more resonant tone, while the Ink Box Black may produce a slightly warmer sound despite its high pitch.
Examining the bottom housing reveals further distinctions between these two switches. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for absorbing sound and producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer material. This results in a more muted bottom-out sound and a rounder overall auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black also utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which has a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, akin to the top housing. This suggests that while both switches have high-pitched sound characteristics, the V3's nylon material is likely to create contrast in the overall sound profile, offering a more subdued and rounder auditory experience compared to the clackiness associated with the Ink Box Black.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials in both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Black results in switches that cater to various preferences in typing feel and sound. While the V3 combines the clarity and brightness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon, the Ink Box Black’s dual INK blend design aims for a consistent high-pitched sound. As a result, users can expect to achieve somewhat different auditory experiences; however, those seeking a bright sound will find satisfaction in both switches, even if the tonal quality might diverge due to the materials used. Overall, exploring these switches allows typists to choose based on their preferences for sound clarity versus warmth, helping them achieve a tailored typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Ink Box Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial feel and tactile feedback while typing. Thus, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, promoting ease of use, while the Ink Box Black is the heavier choice, providing a firmer typing experience. For those who appreciate the differences in tactile feedback and resistance, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference regarding weight and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference marks the V3 Creamy Purple Pro as the shorter option, making it more suitable for gamers or users who value quick response times and an overall more responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Box Black, with its greater travel distance, might provide a more subdued and gradual feedback that some users prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. Therefore, if you are looking for a more tactile and deep feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black would be the better choice, while those who favor a swift keystroke should lean towards the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro.
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 Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Creamy Purple Pro produces a loud and invigorating noise, characterized by a deep, bassy signature that can be particularly noticeable when typing. This switch's sound profile is more pronounced and rich, making it ideal for users who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black offers a distinctly different experience with a sound likened to a spray paint can being shaken. This sound can be perceived as subtle and muted compared to the Creamy Purple Pro, contributing to a more subdued typing environment. The clackiness and high-pitched tones associated with the Ink Box Black provide a crisp and bright auditory experience that contrasts sharply with the bassy tones of the Creamy Purple Pro.
Regarding the feel, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is designed to offer a multifaceted tactile experience, featuring a robust tactile bump that resonates with users seeking pronounced feedback during typing. It's described as polished and bouncy, which not only enhances the actuation feedback but also provides a lively and reactive sensation. This invigorating quality makes every keystroke feel engaging and responsive. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black boasts a silky smoothness that contributes to an exceptionally refined typing experience. Both switches are recognized for their polished characteristics, meaning they minimize friction and provide smooth key travel. However, the Ink Box Black lacks the pronounced tactile feedback of the Creamy Purple Pro, offering a smoother and more linear experience overall.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Ink Box Black switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you're looking for a loud, bassy auditory experience with pronounced tactile feedback, the Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter, smoother, and more linear typing sensation, the Ink Box Black is ideal. While both have polished elements that ensure smooth key travel, the key differences lie in their tactile feedback and sound profiles. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound richness or smoothness and subdued auditory experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences in typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a prominent tactile feedback coupled with a lively, bass-heavy sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro might be your ideal match. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it suitable for long typing sessions without straining your fingers, and its invigorating tactile bump provides a satisfying experience, especially for those who prefer a switch that signals each keystroke clearly. On the other hand, if you favor a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Black with its heavier actuation force of 70 grams is likely more appealing. These switches yield a silky feel along with a clacky, high-pitched sound signature, making them great for users who value a fluid keypress and a more pronounced auditory feedback without the distraction of overwhelming tactility. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards the pronounced tactile feedback and bassy sound of the Creamy Purple Pro or the smooth, linear precision of the Ink Box Black; either option will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience in unique ways.
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