Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly affect your typing experience. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, recognized for its prominent tactile bump and a deeper, bassier sound signature, caters to enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. This switch offers a satisfying sensory experience, making it ideal for typists who prefer feeling the actuation point while they type. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S shines in its smooth, linear action, boasting a 65g bottom-out weight that delivers a weightier keystroke while still ensuring a quiet and seamless experience. Its neutral sound signature is perfect for those who appreciate a subtler audio profile, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise is a factor. While both switches have their unique advantages, they serve different preferences and styles of typing. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Type S, a distinct difference emerges in the choice of materials for the top housing. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material’s stiffness allows it to produce clearer sound resonances, especially beneficial for users who appreciate clarity. In contrast, the Gateron Type S employs nylon for its top housing, which is softer and serves to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile. The use of nylon contributes to a more muted auditory experience, catering to those who prefer a less pronounced sound when typing.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, meaning that this element contributes similarly to the sound and safety of each switch. The nylon construction in the bottom housing of both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Type S provides a grounded experience, absorbing sound and yielding a deeper auditory response during key presses. This overlap in materials emphasizes the role of the bottom housing in modulating the overall feel and sound profile of the switches, ultimately leading to a fuller bottom-out experience regardless of the differing materials used in the top housings.
In essence, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing in the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and a nylon top housing in the Gateron Type S leads to contrasting sound profiles. However, with both switches employing nylon for the bottom housing, they share a similar foundational characteristic that contributes to the tactile experience. While one switch may provide sharper sound feedback due to its polycarbonate top, the nylon bottom ensures both switches ultimately foster a satisfying and resonant typing experience. Users who appreciate a brighter, more articulate tone may prefer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those seeking a softer and more subdued input will likely gravitate toward the Gateron Type S.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a notably light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming marathons due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Gateron Type S features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and a stronger push while typing. This fundamental contrast means that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, suitable for users looking for ease and comfort over prolonged use, while the Gateron Type S caters to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference regarding force sensitivity and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, while the Gateron Type S linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference signifies a preference for responsiveness versus a more gradual keystroke experience. With the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's shallower travel distance, gamers may find it advantageous for quicker actions and faster response times, while others who prefer the more substantial feel of a deeper press might opt for the Type S. Overall, if you prioritize speed and immediacy, the shorter travel of the Creamy Purple Pro is likely the better choice; conversely, for those who appreciate a more traditional and hearty typing experience, the Gateron Type S is the way to go.
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 S 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
The sound characteristics of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch are marked by a loud signature, leaning towards a bassier pitch that creates a more pronounced auditory experience with each keystroke. This can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy a robust sound profile that adds an energetic ambiance to typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Type S linear switch offers a more neutral acoustic experience, balancing sound by providing a moderate sound profile that is both pleasing and unobtrusive. Furthermore, it is described as subdued, resulting in a dampened sound when pressed; while it's not completely silent, it produces a less intrusive sound signature that makes it suitable for various environments, such as a quiet office setting.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is renowned for its large, invigorating tactile bump. This tactile feedback not only enhances the overall typing experience but also allows users to enjoy a satisfying response with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate pronounced tactile sensations. The Gateron Type S, on the other hand, provides a completely different experience as a linear switch. It features a bottom-out weight of 65g, which caters to users who prefer a weightier feel with their keystrokes, offering a smoother typing experience without any tactile bump to interrupt the seamless travel of the key.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch offers a loud and bassy sound with distinct tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who thrive on auditory and physical sensations, the Gateron Type S linear switch presents a more subdued sound with a smooth feel, appealing to those who favor quieter and weightier keystrokes. These differences provide unique typing experiences, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a lighter keystroke with a pronounced tactile bump and don't mind a louder, bassier sound, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent option for you. This switch is particularly suitable if you enjoy typing and gaming where the tactile feedback can enhance your engagement and satisfaction. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a sound profile that strikes a balance between neutral and subdued, the Gateron Type S may be your best bet. This switch is ideal for those who favor a smoother typing experience that remains versatile for both gaming and professional environments. Ultimately, consider your environment and the type of feedback you enjoy when making your choice, as both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different types of users.
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