Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gazzew U4T present two distinct options for enthusiasts seeking tactile satisfaction. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is renowned for its pronounced tactile bump, delivering an invigorating experience with each keystroke, complemented by a loud sound signature that leans towards the bassy end of the spectrum. This switch is an excellent choice for users who enjoy a robust and audible typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T offers a unique blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a rich auditory feedback characterized by its bassy 'thock' sound while maintaining assertive tactile sensations. This combination makes the U4T appealing for those who seek a more refined and immersive typing experience. Both switches have their respective strengths, catering to different preferences and typist profiles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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 Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gazzew U4T, we can observe distinct approaches that lead to different auditory experiences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for delivering a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for a crisper auditory output, making it ideal for users who prefer the clearer tonal qualities produced in a keyboard with RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, often termed "boba plastic," is characterized by its softness, leading to a richer and deeper sound profile. This fundamental difference means that while the V3 tends to produce a higher-pitched tone, the U4T offers a rounder sound profile, appealing to different user preferences.
On the contrary, both switches share a notable similarity in their bottom housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro uses a nylon bottom housing, a well-established choice in switch design that promotes a fuller sound due to its softer nature, which helps to absorb and dampen sound waves. This lowers the overall pitch and delivers a more subdued auditory experience. Similarly, the U4T features its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also produces a deep sound profile thanks to its softness. Thus, despite differences in their top housings, both switches achieve a harmonious depth of sound, complemented by their respective bottom materials that focus on enhancing the sound profile in a similar manner.
Ultimately, the interaction between the differing top and bottom housings in each switch showcases how the blend of materials affects the overall typing experience. For both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the U4T, the bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, while the characteristics of the top housing govern the release sound. Users may find that even with their distinct top housing materials, the overall sound experience during typing can converge towards a satisfying auditory result, particularly during key releases, as both employ softer bottom housing materials that promote depth and resonance. Thus, each switch presents its unique flavor, offering options for those seeking varied auditory pleasures in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch with its actuation force of 30 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 65 grams, distinct differences in typing experience come to light. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is considered light, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, as less effort is needed to actuate keys and bottom out. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, provides a more substantial and tactile experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. This heavier force can make typing feel more engaging, but it may also lead to fatigue over extended use. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch that facilitates easier and longer typing, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice, while those who appreciate more resistance might opt for the Gazzew U4T.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is clear that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, while the U4T has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference aligns with current trends, where the shorter travel of the V3 switch caters to gamers seeking quicker response times for agility in gameplay. Conversely, the U4T's more traditional 4 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and a deeper keystroke experience. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro might be the better choice, whereas the Gazzew U4T would be more suitable for users who favor a fuller tactile sensation.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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 produced by the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by a loud signature with a pitch that leans towards the bassy side, giving off a deeper tone during key presses. This switch’s sound profile is engaging and invigorating, which can create an enthralling typing experience. In comparison, the Gazzew U4T also delivers a bassy sound but adds an element of thockiness to its acoustic profile. The thocky nature of the U4T enhances the auditory experience with a rich and satisfying sound, resembling a deep "thud" when pressed, which complements its assertive tactile feedback. Both switches provide a pleasing auditory experience, especially when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a large tactile bump that delivers significant feedback with every keystroke, making it ideal for those who appreciate noticeable tactile sensations while typing. However, the specifics of its feel aren't explicitly described. On the other hand, the U4T is known for its sharp tactile feedback, which provides a distinct and crisp tactile bump that can be felt prominently with each key press. This heightened feedback intensity allows typists to gain confidence in their keystrokes, enhancing the overall typing experience. Thus, while both switches deliver tactile feedback, the U4T may offer a more pronounced tactile sensation.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches fulfill distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Creamy Purple Pro offers a loud, bassy sound with an invigorating tactile bump, while the U4T harmonizes thockiness with sharp tactility and an equally bassy tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to individual preferences for auditory experiences and tactile feedback, as both switches promise satisfaction tailored to different typing styles. If you're seeking a unique auditory and tactile experience, you might find compelling qualities in either option, making them both excellent choices for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter actuation force and enjoy pronounced tactile bumps coupled with a louder, bassy sound, then the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will likely be your go-to option. This switch is particularly suitable for those who want a lively typing experience with every keystroke, making it ideal for extended gaming sessions or casual typing where noise is not a concern. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel with medium-heavy resistance and appreciate the harmonious combination of thockiness and sharp tactility, then the Gazzew U4T is the better choice for you. Its deeper sound profile and assertive tactile feedback not only provide auditory satisfaction but also enhance the typing experience, making it well-suited for office environments or scenarios where you desire both a satisfying feel and sound. In the end, selecting between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize a lighter touch with pronounced feedback or a heavier feel that delivers a more nuanced sound experience.
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