Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Type A 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 Type A each offer unique characteristics tailored for different typing experiences. The Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, providing an invigorating feedback that many typists find satisfying, along with a distinctly loud sound signature characterized by a deeper, bassy pitch. This switch is an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced and engaging tactile experience, potentially enhancing both typing speed and enjoyment. In contrast, the Gateron Type A emerges from the innovative "Project Rehash" / SLAY series, offering a medium-weight linear switch that prioritizes smoothness. With its refined factory lubing techniques, it delivers a subdued sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing environment without sacrificing responsiveness. Each switch caters to different preferences; while the Creamy Purple Pro is perfect for tactile enthusiasts and those who appreciate auditory feedback, the Type A appeals to users looking for a calm and fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Type A, it becomes evident that the two switches utilize different types of plastics for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles and performance characteristics. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, crisper sound. This is due in part to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity, especially beneficial for setups with RGB lighting given its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Type A employs a nylon top housing, which tends to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs sound to a greater extent, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less pronounced than that produced by polycarbonate. Thus, while both types of housings offer unique auditory experiences, they appeal to different preferences based on sound clarity versus warmth.
Interestingly, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, anchoring their performance in a familiar characteristic. The nylon material serves to soften the typing experience—regardless of the differences in top housing—allowing for a deeper sound profile that is consistent across these models. Both switches, due to their nylon bottom, will produce a similar bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, providing that satisfying resistance typical of nylon housing. For users who prioritize a full-bodied typing experience, this aspect is common across both switches while maintaining unique sound dynamics attributed to their respective top housing materials.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Type A utilize different materials for their top housings—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing allows for a comparable typing feel, creating common ground in their performance. The V3’s polycarbonate top achieves a distinctively crisper sound profile, great for RGB setups and those who prefer a more pronounced audio response, while the Type A offers a warmer and more subdued auditory experience through its nylon top. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to individual sound preferences, but users can expect a pleasant typing experience across the board thanks to the shared properties of their nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a swift, less strenuous typing experience, perfect for long gaming sessions or a work environment. Conversely, the Gateron Type A requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial tactile feedback that some users appreciate for its reassuring push feel. This means that while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, the Gateron Type A offers a firmer resistance, catering to those who prefer a heavier switch. Thus, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces lead to varying typing experiences, where the choice ultimately depends on personal preference for weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Gateron Type A linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a shallower key press, providing gamers with a quicker response time, which can be advantageous during fast-paced gameplay. In contrast, the Type A's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel and depth when typing or gaming. For users who appreciate a tactile and more responsive experience, the Akko switch is the preferable choice, whereas those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience may lean towards the Gateron switch. Overall, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the shorter option at 3 mm, while the Gateron Type A is the longer option at 4 mm.
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 Type A comes in at $4.70 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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a loud and invigorating sound profile, notable for its bassy pitch which gives it a pronounced auditory presence. This makes it a good option for those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Type A features a more subdued and neutral sound signature, striking a balance that makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Both switches produce distinct sounds that can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and other build factors, but they cater to different auditory preferences—one being louder and more impactful, while the other remains more understated and versatile.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is known for its prominent tactile bump, which provides a distinct feedback during each keypress, allowing typists to experience a satisfying resistance before the actuation point. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and enjoyment for those who prefer a more interactive experience. Conversely, the Gateron Type A is known for its medium-weight actuation that strikes a balance between resistance and smoothness, making it ideal for users who prefer a more linear feel without any tactile bump to interrupt the flow of their keystrokes. While both switches may deliver an enjoyable experience, they do so in fundamentally different ways, appealing to different typing styles and preferences.
Overall, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Type A present unique qualities that cater to distinct user preferences. The former emphasizes a bold auditory and tactile profile, making it ideal for those who thrive on feedback and sound, whereas the latter offers a more muted, versatile experience that suits a broader range of situations. By understanding these characteristics, newcomers can determine which switch aligns better with their personal typing habits and environment, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience tailored to their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a prominent tactile experience with a distinctly loud, bassy sound profile that gives you feedback with each keystroke, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force makes it suitable for long typing sessions where you value both responsiveness and auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound with a balanced tactile experience that still provides a satisfying feel without being overly loud, the Gateron Type A may be the switch for you. Its slightly heavier actuation force makes it ideal for users who appreciate a more traditional typing experience, whether at home or in a shared workspace, where noise levels might be a concern. Ultimately, understanding your typing style and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard will guide you in selecting the switch that best suits your needs.
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