Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences and environments. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, offering a bouncy and invigorating typing experience that adds a satisfying punch to each keystroke. This switch also boasts a loud sound signature, characterized by a deeper, bassy pitch that can provide an engaging feedback for those who enjoy auditory confirmation while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is designed with discretion in mind, perfect for quieter settings where minimal noise is crucial. Its silky smooth action features a cushioned bottom-out feel, delivering a whisper-quiet keystroke ideal for late-night work sessions or shared spaces. Both switches have their unique appeal: the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for those who thrive on tactile feedback and an audible experience, and the Silent Ink Black for those seeking a seamless and quiet typing journey. However, 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
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
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a notable distinction lies in their top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro employs a polycarbonate material, which is recognized for its stiffer characteristics that contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This resonance permits a clearer auditory experience, especially beneficial for RGB enthusiasts due to its translucent nature. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which, while also producing a high-pitched sound profile, leans towards being less sharply pronounced. Instead, its clacky sound remains satisfying without veering into harshness. The variance in materials thus leads to differing sound nuances, despite the similar elevated tonal quality they both achieve.
On the flip side, both switches utilize different materials for their bottom housings, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro employs nylon, a traditional switch housing material known for its softer consistency. This results in a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black's bottom housing also relies on the proprietary INK blend, offering a similarly high-pitched sound but without the fuller resonance of nylon. As such, the bottom housing’s sound characteristics will distinctly impact the bottom-out feel and sound: nylon will provide a rounder touch, while the INK blend may contribute to a subtler, clackier sensation.
Ultimately, both switch models showcase unique materials that drive their respective auditory experiences. While divergent in specific construction—polycarbonate top vs. INK blend top, nylon bottom vs. INK blend bottom—there are overlapping qualities that lead to somewhat comparable results in terms of sound profile. Though the V3 Creamy Purple Pro delivers a sharper high and deeper low, and the Silent Ink Black offers a thin, clacky experience, both switches can satisfy enthusiasts seeking a high-pitched, engaging typing experience. The interplay of the top and bottom housings in each model means that users will notice distinctive auditory feedback depending on how they interact with the switch, allowing for a diverse range of acoustic sensations regardless of the differing materials used.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which significantly influence their overall feel and user experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a notably lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more comfortable option for those who type for extended periods, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black demands a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to users seeking a more substantial snapping sensation when typing. Consequently, while both switches offer unique tactile experiences, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, whereas the Silent Ink Black is ideal for users who appreciate a firmer resistance.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference illustrates the contrasting experiences these switches offer: the shorter 3 mm travel of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may provide gamers with quicker response times and a more responsive feel, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Silent Ink Black caters to users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke, potentially offering a deeper and more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if you're seeking a quick response, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better option, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black is ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional and substantial keypress.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro exhibits a loud and bassy signature due to its tactile bump, which can make it quite prominent in terms of audio output. This switch is likely to be more noticeable in a quiet setting, potentially disrupting others around you with its robust sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is designed specifically for quieter environments, offering minimal audio feedback thanks to its silenced mechanism. This results in a much more subdued typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who need to maintain a low noise level in shared spaces or during late-night work sessions.
When considering the feel of these switches, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro presents a dynamic typing experience characterized by its bouncy and invigorating nature. With a pronounced tactile bump, each key press provides a lively and reactive sensation, allowing the user to experience a satisfying tactile feedback that keeps typing engaging. Additionally, the polished surface ensures a smooth key travel, minimizing friction for a quicker rebound. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black switch focuses on a silky smoothness, offering a cushy, pillow-like feel when bottoming out. This creates a gentle and smooth transition during use, ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort is prioritized over tactility.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches provide contrasting experiences tailored to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro appeals to those who enjoy a loud, tactile, and lively typing sensation, while the Silent Ink Black caters to users seeking a quiet, smooth experience with less tactile feedback. Both switches, while different in sound and feel, can deliver an enjoyable typing experience, depending on the user's specific needs and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a pronounced bump and don’t mind a bit of noise, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, with its light bottom-out force of 50 grams and invigorating feedback, may be ideal for you. This switch enhances the typing experience with its polished feel and bouncy action, making it suitable for creative tasks and everyday typing where auditory stimulation adds to your joy. Conversely, if you work in a quieter environment or prefer a more subdued typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams and silky smoothness, is your best bet. It offers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out with minimal sound, ensuring you won’t disturb anyone around you while still providing a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, consider not just the sound and feel of the switches, but also how these qualities align with your personal and professional settings.
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