Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro, known for its pronounced tactile bump and bassy sound profile, provides a satisfying feedback loop that is ideal for those who enjoy a more engaged and audible typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer a smoother, lighter typing feel that caters to users who prioritize speed and effortless keystrokes, along with a higher-pitched clack that can make typing feel effortlessly quick. While the Creamy Purple Pro excels in delivering sensation and sound, the Ink Box Pink shines in smoothness and agility, making them suitably appealing to different types of typists. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
When comparing the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches, a notable contrast can be found in their top housing materials. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which lends to a sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. This stiffer plastic results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that can enhance the perception of typists seeking a more distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which also produces a high-pitched sound profile but offers a unique tonal quality described as satisfying and clacky. While both switches aim to deliver a notable auditory feedback, the V3's polycarbonate achieves a crisper sound, whereas the Ink Box's INK blend is defined by a thin yet not overly sharp auditory response.
Examining the bottom housing materials of these switches reveals a different dimension of comparison. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro makes use of nylon for its bottom housing, a well-regarded plastic that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. This characteristic tends to dampen the auditory feedback slightly, making it rounder and more muted compared to its sharper top housing. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Pink also relies on a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, resulting in sound properties similar to those of the top housing—specifically, a pointed and high-pitched sound. This effectively blurs the distinctions in delivering sound between the two housing segments for the Ink Box Pink, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's disparate materials contribute to a more nuanced sound experience.
Ultimately, the combined effect of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro’s polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing promotes a unique acoustic performance. The clarity and resonance created by the polycarbonate top complement the deeper and fuller tone from the nylon bottom, providing a distinctive typing experience that is characterized by a wide sound spectrum. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink achieves a consistent sound profile throughout, with both the top and bottom housing contributing to its high-pitched, clacky sound. Although both switches can achieve satisfaction in sound when typing, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a broader range in auditory feedback due to the differences in housing materials. Therefore, while both switches provide enjoyable acoustic feedback, their individual materials serve to create divergent sound experiences that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch to the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial, tactile feel while typing. Thus, if you're seeking a lighter switch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a firmer feedback, the Gateron Ink Box Pink would better suit your needs. Overall, while both switches provide unique experiences, the lighter feel of the Akko switch is distinctly different from the medium resistance of the Gateron switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shallower option that may appeal to gamers and those looking for quicker response times. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, offering a more pronounced depth that some users might find more satisfying during typing. Thus, if you're drawn to a responsive feel, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the shorter choice, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink stands out as the longer option, catering to those who appreciate a fuller keystroke experience.
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 Pink 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 Pink 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 delivers a loud and resonant auditory experience, characterized by a bassier pitch that provides a robust and engaging soundscape with each keystroke. This fuller sound profile can be quite satisfying, especially for users who enjoy the auditory feedback of their typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink presents a higher-pitched clack that is sharp and crisp, lending itself to a lively and bright sound signature. This distinction in sound can significantly affect user preference; those who lean towards a more pronounced, thudding noise might favor the Creamy Purple Pro, while those who appreciate a snappier, more delicate sound may prefer the Ink Box Pink.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is known for its invigorating tactile bump that offers a pronounced resistance when the key is actuated, giving a clear indication of engagement with each press. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience, making it feel more interactive and responsive. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink excels in smoothness with a silky texture that minimizes resistance. Its polished finish elevates the typing experience, providing a fluid and effortless transition as you type. This difference in tactile sensation may appeal to varying preferences; if you enjoy a pronounced tactile response, the Creamy Purple Pro might be the better choice, whereas the Ink Box Pink is ideal for those who prioritize a smoothly gliding keypress.
Overall, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Pink offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Creamy Purple Pro features a bass-heavy sound with a noticeable tactile bump, which may cater to users who enjoy a more physical typing experience and a robust noise profile. In comparison, the Ink Box Pink stands out with its high-pitched clacky sound and exceptionally smooth, polished feel, making it a more serene option for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will come down to whether you value a more tactile and loud experience or a smoother and quieter one.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile experience and don’t mind the louder, bassier sound signature, the Creamy Purple Pro, with its light actuation force of 50 grams and satisfying tactile bump, would be perfect for you. This switch is ideal for typists who appreciate feedback with each keystroke, enhancing the overall engagement and satisfaction during use. Alternatively, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Pink should be your go-to. With a slightly heavier 60-gram actuation force, this linear switch offers a silky, polished feel that minimizes resistance, allowing for effortless key presses. If sound is a concern for you, the Ink Box Pink’s higher-pitched clack and softer typing noise make it suitable for quieter environments or shared spaces. In summary, consider the Creamy Purple Pro for a tactile and auditory stimulation experience, while the Ink Box Pink is ideal for smooth typing and understated sound.
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