Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference, particularly between tactile and linear switches. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback that many typists and gamers find invigorating. Additionally, it boasts a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, which can enhance the overall typing experience for those who enjoy an audible response. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars is designed with innovation in mind, featuring a unique POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM. This combination results in a smooth linear feel, favored by users who prefer swift key presses without any tactile interruption. Each switch offers distinct advantages—whether you prefer the pronounced feedback of the Creamy Purple Pro or the seamless press of the Mars, there's a compelling reason to choose either. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
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
1.20 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
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Mars both utilize distinct materials for their housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles and tactile experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear resonation, enhancing the auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is involved due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Mars opts for a nylon top housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer nature absorbs vibrations, resulting in a sound that is more muted and rounded. Consequently, while both switches aim to deliver quality auditory feedback, the contrasting materials mean that the sound they produce during key presses will differ significantly.
When it comes to their bottom housings, the differences continue. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro employs a nylon bottom housing, which further emphasizes the deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon is known for. This contributes to a more mellow typing experience, as the softer plastic helps absorb sound effectively. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, which is often revered for its unique acoustic properties. POM can provide a distinctively deeper and more muted sound, creating a pleasing auditory experience that complements the typing feel. Although both switches incorporate nylon in different contexts, the POM in the Mars adds another layer of distinction in sound and impact.
Ultimately, the acoustic characteristics and tactile feedback of each switch can be understood as a balance between the top and bottom housing materials. For instance, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro delivers clarity in the top sound profile through its polycarbonate top housing, the Gateron Mars finds its strength in the muted contributes of its nylon and POM housings. If someone's goal is to achieve a sound experience similar to the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's clarity while using the Mars, they might have some limitations due to the inherent qualities of nylon and POM, which will produce a comparatively softer auditory output. The unique properties of each housing material contribute distinctly to the switches, making them appealing for different preferences in sound and typing sensations.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation forces, which can significantly impact typing experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Mars has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial feel and tactile feedback when typing. While the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unavailable, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro’s bottom out force of 50 grams further emphasizes its lighter push feel compared to the Mars. Consequently, users seeking a more effortless typing experience may gravitate towards the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, whereas those who favor a stronger resistance should consider the Gateron Mars.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we see a clear distinction. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it one of the shallower options available, while the Gateron Mars offers a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference may appeal to different user preferences; gamers might gravitate towards the shorter 3 mm distance of the Creamy Purple Pro for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback may prefer the Mars switch for its greater depth. Ultimately, if you're looking for a snappier experience, the Akko V3 is the better choice, whereas the Gateron Mars provides a more substantial typing feel. In this instance, the Creamy Purple Pro is the shorter switch and the Mars is the longer switch.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 tactile switch offers a loud and vibrant auditory experience, characterized by a bass-heavy pitch that can resonate through a keyboard. This prominent sound signature adds a satisfying acoustic feedback during typing, which many users find engaging and enjoyable. Conversely, the Gateron Mars linear switch, while innovative, does not have a described sound profile in the available information. However, it's important to note that the sound of any switch can vary significantly depending on the specific keyboard it’s used with and the type of keycaps chosen, so even linear switches can produce a different acoustic presence based on these factors.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch is distinguished by its large and invigorating tactile bump, delivering a pronounced feedback with each keystroke. This tactile sensation can enhance the typing experience, making it particularly attractive for users who appreciate a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the Gateron Mars linear switch utilizes a POK stem and is crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM, but the specific feeling of the switch is not detailed in the available information. Generally, linear switches like the Mars offer a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, which provides a fluid typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch stands out with its loud, bassy sound profile and prominent tactile feedback, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a more interactive and acoustic typing experience. The Gateron Mars linear switch, while noted for its innovative construction, lacks specific qualities related to sound and feel in the available data. Users might gravitate towards the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for a more engaging experience, whereas the Mars would cater to those seeking a smooth and quiet typing. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will guide newcomers in choosing the switch that best fits their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a switch that offers a pronounced tactile feedback and an audible sound with a deep bass pitch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy a more engaging and responsive typing experience. This switch’s lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams can make it a great option for long typing sessions where you might appreciate a gentler press. On the other hand, if you are leaning towards a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Gateron Mars linear switch may suit you better. Although the bottom-out force specification for the Mars is not available, its innovative design promises a unique sensation while typing, which many users find appealing for both gaming and typing tasks. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value the tactile and auditory feedback of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro or the seamless, quiet glide of the Gateron Mars.
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