Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offer distinct yet appealing characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch that boasts a prominent bump that provides satisfying feedback and a robust sound profile, making it a solid choice for typists who enjoy a more dynamic and engaging experience. Its loud output and bass-heavy pitch contribute to an invigorating typing sensation, ideal for those who appreciate tactile interactions. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro presents a smooth linear experience, perfect for users who prefer quick and fluid keystrokes devoid of tactile bumps. This switch is celebrated for its buttery feel and low-pitched "thock" sound, creating an ideal ambience for quiet productivity or gaming sessions. While both switches cater to different tastes—one offering tactile feedback and a louder acoustic character, the other emphasizing smoothness and subtle sound—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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) differ significantly in their top housing materials, which plays a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles. The V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucence, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This physical property of polycarbonate also enhances the switch's compatibility with RGB lighting, creating a visually appealing aesthetic alongside its sonic characteristics. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro opts for a nylon top housing, which is a traditional switch material recognized for its softer nature. This softness leads to a deeper, rounder sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound, contributing to a more muted auditory feedback. Consequently, these distinctions in top housing materials result in varying acoustic experiences when typing: the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a more vibrant sound, while the Milky Red Pro delivers a richer, warmer tone.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Milky Red Pro utilize nylon, which creates a unified auditory experience in this regard. Since both switches share the same material for the bottom housing, they will produce similarly deeper and fuller sound profiles when bottoming out. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a consistent roundness in feedback across both switches, regardless of the differences present in their top housing. This similarity means that typists can expect a similar tactile and auditory sensation during key presses, even though they may experience distinct sounds when releasing the keys due to their contrasting top materials.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Milky Red Pro yields unique characteristics for each switch. The polycarbonate top of the V3 promotes a crisp sound upon key release, amplifying the RGB effects, while the nylon bottom complements this with a rounder bottom-out experience. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Red Pro sustains its deep sound profile throughout with its nylon top and bottom. When pressed, typists will find that the bottom housing of both switches offers a similar auditory foundation, but the variance in the top houses creates distinctly unique sound experiences—one emphasizing brightness and resonance and the other warmth and fullness.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch differ notably in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, which appeals to users seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience. As a result, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, while the Milky Red Pro is the heavier switch. Those who prefer a lighter switch for comfort during long usage will find the V3 Creamy Purple Pro more suitable, whereas the Milky Red Pro may be favored by individuals who enjoy a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance plays a crucial role in the switches' overall feel and responsiveness. The shorter 3 mm travel of the Creamy Purple Pro can provide a quicker response, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking faster actuation. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel of the Milky Red Pro offers a more traditional and deeper experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, your preference between these two options will hinge on whether you value speed or depth in your keystrokes.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches deliver a more pronounced auditory experience characterized by a loud, bass-heavy signature. This results in a strikingly vibrant sound profile that can be quite energizing during typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) exhibits a softer, low-pitched “thock” sound, which is notable for its depth and richness. While the Creamy Purple Pro produces a more dynamic sound experience, the Milky Red Pro offers an enjoyable, muted auditory feedback that some may find more appealing for quieter environments. Ultimately, for those who appreciate a jazzy typing sound, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may resonate more, whereas the Milky Red Pro could cater well to users who prefer a bassier, muted aesthetic.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its invigorating and bouncy tactile nature. The pronounced tactile bump combined with a polished design ensures a responsive typing experience that provides a satisfying feedback loop, making for an immersive feel as each key is pressed. The Milky Red Pro (KS-3), on the other hand, emphasizes smoothness, allowing for a buttery, uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile feedback. Its linear nature means that it lacks a tactile bump, which leads to a different typing sensation that some users may prefer for its simplicity and ease. For those who favor tactile typing experiences, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro excels, while the Milky Red Pro offers a seamless keystroke experience that may be less fatiguing for extended use.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches provide a lively auditory and tactile experience with their pronounced bump and loud sound signature, making them ideal for those who appreciate a more engaging typing feel. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) focuses on smoothness and a quieter sound profile, appealing to users seeking a more subdued and buttery typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users may lean towards one or the other, or even find satisfaction in both, as each switch offers unique characteristics tailored to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy tactile feedback and a more engaging typing experience, the Creamy Purple Pro shines with its invigorating tactile bump and plush, responsive feel. The heavier tactile feedback and louder sound signature make these switches ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a more active interaction with their keyboard, potentially enhancing both typing rhythm and gaming precision. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter operation, especially for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is your best bet with its buttery smooth keystrokes and lower-pitched thock sound. Its medium-light actuation force ensures a comfortable experience, making it suitable for both casual use and high-intensity gaming scenarios. By considering how you intend to use your keyboard, you can select the switch that best aligns with your tactile and auditory preferences, ultimately enhancing your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
