Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly affect your typing experience, and two popular options worth considering are the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch, renowned for its pronounced tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This switch offers a louder, bassier sound profile, making it an enjoyable option for those who appreciate auditory cues in their typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is a linear switch designed for speed, featuring an all-POM construction that allows for a remarkably smooth feel and feather-light actuation with a short travel distance. Its thocky sound profile resonates with users seeking a quieter yet refined keystroke experience. While the Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for typists who enjoy tactile feedback and auditory sensations, the Smoothie Silver caters to gamers and fast typers who prioritize quick response times and smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, significant differences can be observed in their designs and sound profiles. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that delivers clarity and resonance, making it particularly appropriate for setups that utilize RGB lighting. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver opts for a POM top housing that produces a deeper, more muted sound. POM’s unique properties lend themselves to a more pleasurable auditory experience, yet they diverge from the crispness associated with polycarbonate, providing a stark contrast in auditory feedback.
Examining the bottom housings, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM bottom housing. The nylon used in the V3 model is softer, allowing it to absorb more sound and thus create a deeper and fuller experience during typing. Meanwhile, the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver offers a similarly muted texture but with its own distinct qualities. This means that both switches, while different in materials, may yield comparable sound profiles when bottoming out due to the POM's efficacy in generating a satisfying auditory response. Ultimately, the housing choices contribute different elements to the overall sound, but both offer distinctively enjoyable auditory experiences.
In considering the overall performance of these switches, users can expect varied results based on the combination of their respective top and bottom housing materials. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing allows for a more resonant sound when releasing the key, while the nylon bottom absorbs sounds upon hitting the base. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver achieves a muted impression through its POM housing in both positions, creating a more uniform auditory characteristic. This illustrates that while the two switches boast different materials in their construction, they can still provide similar experiences regarding the sound when pressed and released. Ultimately, user preference for sound clarity versus muted depth may guide choice, but both options highlight the diversity of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch present notable differences in their actuation forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer feel for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons; its bottom out force is 50 grams, which is also relatively light. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown, which limits a direct comparison in terms of how hard you'll need to push to fully engage the key. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the way to go, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver would be better suited for those who appreciate a firmer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shorter option, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, offering a slightly deeper experience, which some users may prefer for a more robust feel when typing or gaming. Thus, while both switches provide a more modern and responsive experience than traditional 4 mm switches, those who favor a more abrupt key press should lean towards the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, whereas individuals who appreciate a greater travel distance might opt for the Smoothie Silver.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 presents a prominently loud profile with bass-heavy tones, creating an auditory landscape that enhances the tactile experience of typing. The "thocky" sound signature of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches asserts a deep, resonant quality reminiscent of a soft knock, producing a satisfying yet subdued sound when pressed. Both switches deliver distinct auditory feedback; the Creamy Purple Pro has a more pronounced and boisterous character, while the Smoothie Silvers deliver a mellower experience that may serve well in quieter environments.
When focusing on the feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro shines with its invigorating tactile bump, poised with a bounce and polished finish that contributes to a dynamic typing experience. Users will appreciate the balanced actuation force and the accented feedback of these switches, allowing for a sense of engagement while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch provides a notably buttery and creamy sensation, delivering effortless key presses with a smoothness that feels refined and silky. This creates a notably different typing experience which could be preferred for those who lean towards linear feel without tactile bumps.
In conclusion, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in both sound and feel. If you value pronounced tactile feedback and a louder auditory experience, the Creamy Purple Pro may be your go-to option. However, if you seek a smoother, quieter experience with rapid actuation, the Smoothie Silver is likely more appealing. While both switches deliver unique experiences, they cater to different styles of typing that can cater well to user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, selecting between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a key feel that provides pronounced tactile feedback with a lively bounce and a satisfying sound signature, the Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice. This switch suits you particularly well if you favor a more engaging typing experience, where the evident tactile bump and bassy notes enhance your interactions on the keyboard, making it ideal for those who appreciate auditory responses alongside physical sensation—perfect for typists or gamers who thrive on tactical feedback. Conversely, if you seek speed and effortless actuation with a focus on smoothness and subtle auditory feedback, the Gateron Smoothie Silver would be your best bet. Its buttery, creamy feel combined with a short travel distance makes it especially appealing for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions where minimizing fatigue is crucial. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities—whether it's tactile engagement or seamless smoothness—allowing you to curate the keyboard experience that best enhances your daily tasks.
Mentioned in this article
