Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top become immediately apparent, highlighting varying preferences in tactile feel and sound. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump and robust sound signature, delivering an invigorating typing experience that some users find satisfying and engaging. On the other hand, Gateron's Mountain Top switches are designed for office environments, offering a quieter typing experience with a comfortably light actuation, making them ideal for those who seek subtlety in their keystrokes without sacrificing performance. While the Creamy Purple Pro caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and sound, the Mountain Top appeals to professionals looking for discretion and comfort in their typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound when typing. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who appreciate a crisp and resonant auditory feedback, especially in setups with RGB lighting where the polycarbonate's clarity enhances visual aesthetics. In contrast, the Mountain Top features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic experience. This fundamental difference in material choice shapes each switch's overall auditory and sensory experience while typing.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top utilize nylon, leading to similarities in their sound profiles in this aspect. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to the depth and fullness of the typing experience, absorbing sound to create a more subdued bottom-out sound. As a result, when users engage either switch, they will experience a softer and rounder feedback, regardless of the differences in their top housings. This shared material in the bottom section allows for a consistent feel when bottoming out, irrespective of the top housing's contrasting attributes.
Ultimately, the interplay between the two different materials in the top and bottom housings of the two switches results in distinct typing experiences. Users of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro will notice a bright and engaging sound when releasing the key, thanks to the polycarbonate top housing, while the Gateron Mountain Top will deliver a more subdued sound profile throughout the entire keystroke due to its nylon top. However, both switch designs retain a shared quality in the bottom housing, ensuring that the cushioned feedback and deeper sound remain consistent across both models. Thus, while they present unique characteristics, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top still offer enjoyable and distinct typing experiences rooted in the properties of their materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces remain the same. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which can be beneficial for users who type for extended durations or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mountain Top has a heavier actuation force of 40 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push. Both switches, however, share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that when fully pressed down, they provide a consistent feel regardless of the actuation force differences. Overall, if you prefer a lighter touch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be the better choice, while the Mountain Top is ideal for those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, which significantly influence their feel and performance. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Mountain Top has a longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Akko switch provides a shallower experience, ideal for gamers who appreciate quicker response times and a more immediate feedback feel. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top’s longer travel distance might appeal to users who prefer a heftier key press and a more pronounced bottoming-out sensation, making it suitable for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the shorter option, and the Mountain Top offers a longer, more deliberate 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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch offers a loud and pronounced audio experience, characterized by a deep and bassy pitch that stands out with each keystroke. This prominent sound signature might be enjoyable for some users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is engineered with discretion in mind, resulting in a much quieter typing experience. Its neutral sound profile ensures that it won't disturb those around you, making it an excellent choice for office settings or shared workspaces where subtlety is crucial.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro presents a robust tactile bump, delivering a perceptible feedback that accentuates each key press. This tactile quality can be invigorating, providing clarity in every strike, making it appealing for typists who enjoy a pronounced sensation during use. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy and easy to press, offering an elastic feedback sensation that enhances the typing experience with a lively and responsive touch. Its light actuation force minimizes finger fatigue, making it suitable for long typing sessions while still maintaining a mild and approachable feel that doesn't overwhelm the user.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Mountain Top switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its loud, bass-heavy sound and invigorating tactile bump, making it ideal for those who relish an engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Mountain Top focuses on quietness and comfort, featuring a gentle actuation and bouncy responsiveness, perfect for professional environments. Depending on your priorities—whether they lean towards auditory feedback or a subdued, comfortable feel—you can choose between these options to enhance your typing experience accordingly.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback and a louder sound profile that adds character to your typing experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the way to go. Its invigorating tactile bump can enhance your engagement while typing, making it ideal for users who appreciate a tactile sensation and enjoy the responsive feel. However, if you’re aiming for a more discreet and quieter typing experience, particularly in an office setting or shared spaces, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is better suited for your needs. With its bouncy and easy-to-press feel, alongside a neutral sound profile, it allows for extended typing sessions without the need for excessive force, ensuring comfort and reducing finger fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you value expressiveness and tactile feedback over a subtle and noise-sensitive experience.
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