Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Ink Yellow present distinct yet appealing options tailored to different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro, with its prominent tactile bump, is a tactile switch that delivers a robust feedback experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced response while typing. Its loud sound signature, with a bassier pitch, adds to the overall sensory experience, making it a satisfying choice for those who enjoy an audible click. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch, offers a smoother typing experience with a shorter travel distance, striking a balance between the feel of a laptop keyboard and a traditional mechanical one. Its delightful combination of smoothness and clackiness makes it a great option for users seeking a quieter yet still engaging typing experience. Both switches have their unique advantages, catering to different user needs—whether it's the tactile feedback of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro or the sleek, polished typographic feel of the Ink Yellow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When analyzing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Ink Yellow, one can observe distinct differences between the two switches. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and clarity. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, more resonant sound profile, particularly suited for users keen on RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend top housing that shares some similarities in sound characteristics, producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. However, the INK blend is noted for being less sharp than polycarbonate, allowing for a clacky yet satisfying auditory response. Thus, while both materials favor higher pitches, they achieve this effect through different properties, influencing the user's auditory experience in nuanced ways.
Delving into the bottom housings, we find that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro employs nylon, while the Ink Yellow incorporates its proprietary INK blend. The nylon bottom housing is traditional among switch designs and is celebrated for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic nature absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's bottom housing, composed of the same proprietary INK blend used in the top, maintains a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This consistency in material means that both halves of the Ink Yellow switch can exhibit a clacky feel, effectively aligning the auditory experience across both the top and bottom sections of the switch.
Ultimately, these differences in bottom and top housing materials illustrate how manufacturing choices affect performance. The sharpness and clarity of the polycarbonate top of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro contrast with the softer and more resonant sound of its nylon bottom. Conversely, the Ink Yellow switch combines the characteristics offered by its proprietary INK blend in both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a cohesive auditory signature. Users who enjoy heightened auditory feedback may prefer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro’s combination of polycarbonate and nylon for its versatility, while those seeking a consistently clacky experience might gravitate towards the Ink Yellow due to its uniform material composition across both housings. This distinction not only influences sound but also affects the tactile feel during typing, creating unique user experiences across these two switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch present a noticeable contrast in their 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 a suitable choice for those who prefer a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial and deliberate key press. This difference means that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is better for those who prioritize lightness and ease of use, while the Ink Yellow will satisfy those looking for a firmer typing sensation. Overall, selecting between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the force required for actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, we find distinct differences that cater to varying preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, which makes it a shorter option and ideal for those seeking responsive keystrokes, such as gamers who benefit from quicker actuation. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, resulting in a longer travel distance that may offer a more substantial feel for users who prefer a deeper keystroke. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that provides rapid response times, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, while the Gateron Ink Yellow caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile 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 Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is known for its loud sound signature, producing a rich bassier tone that can really stand out in a noisier environment. This switch generates a robust auditory feedback due to its tactile bump, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced audio experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch features a neutral sound profile characterized by a clacky sound when pressed, which provides a sharp and crisp auditory feedback. While the Ink Yellow may not be as loud as the Creamy Purple Pro, its clackiness still offers a satisfying acoustic presence suitable for various environments. The overall sound experience will also depend significantly on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can influence the final auditory impact of both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a distinctive tactile bump, providing a noticeable resistance that gives users clear feedback with each keystroke. However, the precise description of the tactile experience is not provided. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch boasts a mild and polished feel. The mild characteristic ensures a comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced typists. The polished quality refers to a smooth key travel that minimizes friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the tactile experience of the Creamy Purple Pro may be more defined, the Ink Yellow’s smoothness and refined finish could be appealing for those who prefer a gentler touch.
In summary, while both switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is geared towards those who appreciate a louder and more tactile typing environment, accentuated by its bassy sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a balanced, smooth, and somewhat softer experience, with a clacky sound that adds a pleasant auditory touch without overwhelming the user. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different preferences, and their choice will depend on the user’s desired typing sensation and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a lighter touch and prefer a noticeable tactile feedback combined with a loud, bass-heavy sound, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is likely the better fit for you. It's especially ideal if you thrive on a more engaging typing experience and enjoy the pronounced tactile bump. On the other hand, if you desire a smoother, more polished typing experience with a clacky sound that strikes a balance—neither too heavy nor too light—the Gateron Ink Yellow could be your go-to choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force and shorter travel distance make it perfect for users looking for a comfortable middle ground between portable laptop typing and the traditional mechanical feel. Therefore, your ideal switch will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a moderate force requirement.
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