Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves deliberating between options that cater to different typing experiences. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump and bassier sound signature, making it ideal for users who revel in a loud and responsive typing experience. This switch can enhance the tactile feedback and auditory excitement for gamers and typists alike who enjoy the sensation of each keystroke. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 stands out with its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump combined with an unexpectedly plush bottom-out sensation, offering a whisper-quiet operation that makes it well-suited for office environments or shared spaces. While the U4 excels in delivering a muted yet enjoyable typing experience, the Creamy Purple Pro invites you to embrace a more engaging auditory profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro Tactile

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$3.11

$2.10 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gazzew U4, a notable distinction lies in their top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes it particularly effective for setups involving RGB lighting, where the translucency of the polycarbonate allows light to shine through beautifully. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, which is softer and results in a richer and deeper sound profile. Thus, while both switches can produce pleasing auditory experiences, the V3 emphasizes clarity and brightness, whereas the U4 leans towards a fuller, rounder tone.

In terms of their bottom housings, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gazzew U4 present a similarity as they employ materials that favor depth in sound profiles. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing supports a deeper, fuller sound by absorbing more vibrations, providing a softer response that dampens the acoustics when typing. Similarly, the U4 also integrates a proprietary blend for its bottom housing, which echoes the softer attributes of its top counterpart. This means that while the materials differ in their specific compositions—nylon versus a proprietary blend—the end result is comparable: both switches offer an enriching tactile experience characterized by a rounded sound profile.

When considering the interplay between the top and bottom housings in both switches, it's essential to understand how their unique materials impact the overall typing experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing sharpens its sound during key releases, while the nylon bottom dampens bottom-out impacts. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4's softer plastic blend in both the top and bottom houses creates a more cohesive sound profile, yielding a smoother action overall. Given their differences, users can still achieve similar results in terms of sound richness and tactile feedback; one may opt for the sharper brightness of the V3 or the enveloping warmth of the U4, depending on personal preference and intended use.

Weight

The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different user preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which provides a more substantial tactile feedback that some users prefer for its robustness. Thus, while both switches serve their purpose well, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for users seeking a lighter touch, whereas the U4 would cater more to those who enjoy a firmer keypress experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Gazzew U4 extends to 3.6 mm. This indicates that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a shorter travel distance, which could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times due to its more responsive nature. In contrast, the Gazzew U4, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth in their keystrokes. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Akko switch providing a swifter feel for fast-paced activities, while the Gazzew switch delivers a more substantial typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro presents a loud and bassier sound signature, which is likely to resonate well in environments that can accommodate such acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is characterized by its muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The U4's whisper-quiet operation contrasts sharply with the Creamy Purple Pro’s more boisterous tones, catering to different preferences in sound levels during typing or gaming sessions.

In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is recognized for its large and invigorating tactile bump, providing a noticeable feedback that can engage typists who enjoy a pronounced sensation during key presses. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, which is defined by its crisp intensity, delivering strong feedback that emphasizes each keystroke. The U4 also features a plush bottom-out feeling, contrasting with the Creamy Purple Pro's more straightforward tactile response, thus appealing to those who seek varied tactile sensations in their typing experience.

In summary, both switches cater to different preferences across sound and feel. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro focuses on delivering a bold and loud auditory experience, complemented by a strong tactile feedback. Conversely, the Gazzew U4 provides a quieter, elevated tactile experience that is both sharp and pleasingly plush upon bottoming out. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference—whether one prioritizes auditory feedback or a more subdued typing environment alongside distinct tactile sensations.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch should depend on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a lighter touch and prefer a pronounced tactile bump combined with a louder, bass-heavy sound signature, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is likely the better fit for you. This switch excels in providing an invigorating experience that may enhance your typing enjoyment, particularly if you like a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more subdued yet satisfying experience, the Gazzew U4 would be ideal. With its medium actuation force and sharp tactile bump, the U4 delivers low-pitched, muted sound profiles suitable for quieter environments, allowing for a pleasant typing sensation without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only your tactile and auditory preferences but also the setting in which you plan to use your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro Tactile

$3.11

$2.10 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more