Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) represent two distinct yet compelling choices tailored to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, which offers a satisfying feedback for typists who revel in the feeling of each keystroke, albeit accompanied by a louder, bassier sound signature that can make your typing experience more emphatic. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is a linear switch that prides itself on a smooth, buttery action, delivering a low, "thocky" sound that many users find quiet yet satisfying. This switch is designed for versatility, making it a favorite among budget-conscious enthusiasts who appreciate both gaming and typing excellence. While the Creamy Purple Pro appeals to those who enjoy tactile feedback and a more pronounced acoustic presence, the Milky Yellow Pro embodies a seamless experience perfect for uninterrupted sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3), notable differences arise primarily from their top housing compositions. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material renowned for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This transparency not only enhances sound clarity but also makes it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting, resulting in a visually appealing and dynamic user experience. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro employs nylon for its top housing. This classic material is softer than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. Consequently, while the Akko switch can produce clearer auditory feedback, the Gateron switch is geared towards a more subdued, warm typing experience.
The materials used in the bottom housings of both switches, however, present a point of similarity. Both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Milky Yellow Pro feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This shared composition allows both switches to provide a deeper, fuller sound profile when bottoming out, highlighting the impact of nylon on the overall acoustic experience. The use of nylon in both cases means that despite the contrasting characteristics of their top housings, users will still experience a consistent sound quality during the key press. This mutuality in bottom housing material underlines how the switch's response can retain certain acoustic traits, regardless of the differing top haptic feel produced by polycarbonate and nylon.
Ultimately, the differentiation in housing materials not only influences the auditory feedback from each switch but also shapes the tactile experience. While the polycarbonate top of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro results in a more pronounced sound during key release, the nylon top of the Milky Yellow Pro lends to a smoother, less aggressive auditory feedback. Combined with the shared nylon bottom housing, both switches offer distinct yet richly engaging experiences. Users seeking clarity and brilliance may gravitate towards the Akko option, while those in search of a warmer, more dampened sound may prefer the Gateron switch. In essence, the choice between these two switches boils down to individual preference for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, a notable difference emerges in both the actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions due to its lighter touch. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Thus, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, while the Milky Yellow Pro is heavier, which may cater to different user preferences depending on their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel lengths highlights distinct user experiences: the shorter 3 mm distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may provide a quicker response time, appealing particularly to gamers or those who favor fast actuation. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro's longer 4 mm travel distance may be preferred by users seeking more depth and a tactile feedback that feels more substantial when typing. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for either a snappier or a more pronounced keystroke feel; both can offer satisfactory results but cater to different user needs.
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a loud, bassier auditory experience that resonates with a deeper richness during key presses. Its pronounced sound signature can be engaging and invigorating, making it particularly appealing to those who appreciate the acoustic feedback from their keyboard. Conversely, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) presents a different sound profile, characterized as "thocky," which translates to a satisfying deep thud with each key press. This creates a pleasantly low-pitched and mellow tone, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a smooth, less intrusive sound that still provides auditory satisfaction.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is noted for its significant tactile bump, giving a responsive feedback that users can feel under their fingertips. This tactile sensation may enhance typing accuracy for those who prefer a definite indication of actuation. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is celebrated for its buttery smooth keystrokes, providing a seamless and uniform typing experience without much friction. The textured feel is less pronounced, allowing for a fluid typing motion, which can be particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions or rapid gaming.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The former offers a loud, bass-heavy sound with a pronounced tactile feedback, while the latter excels with its thocky sound and buttery smooth keystroke. If you’re inclined towards a more tactile and acoustically rich experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would likely be your choice, whereas the Milky Yellow Pro is ideal for those who prefer a smooth and less intrusive sound with a seamless feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a loud, bassy sound while typing, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a fantastic option. It excels in providing a unique, engaging experience that many typists appreciate, especially those who prefer a more interactive feel when pressing keys. On the other hand, if you're in search of a smooth, fluid typing experience with a low-pitched and thocky acoustic profile, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro is likely the better choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams strikes a great balance, making it highly versatile for both gaming and general typing without overwhelming strain on your fingers. In summary, opt for the V3 Creamy Purple Pro when you want richness and tactile feedback, and choose the Milky Yellow Pro for a smooth, effortless experience that remains anchored in reliable performance.
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