Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° present two distinct choices catering to different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch renowned for its robust tactile bump and a loud, bass-heavy sound signature, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback during key presses and a more engaging typing experience. On the contrary, the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, classified as a linear switch, revolutionizes silent typing with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering a smooth and stable feel that minimizes noise while typing, ideal for quieter environments or for users who prefer a more subdued keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches can depend on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound levels; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches share striking similarities in their top housing materials, both made from polycarbonate. This commonality results in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile for both switches, thanks to polycarbonate's stiff nature. The material’s translucency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, making them desirable for users who appreciate RGB lighting effects, but also ensures that the sound resonation during typing is pronounced and clear. This shared construction allows users to expect similar acoustic experiences when typing, as both switches leverage the properties of polycarbonate to optimize sound clarity.
While the two switches are alike in their top housing, they diverge in their bottom housing materials. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its ability to generate a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer properties allow it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, resulting in a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, thus matching the full-bodied sound experience that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers. The choice of nylon in both cases means that users will likely enjoy a similar tactile feel and sound signature when bottoming out the keypress.
When it comes to keyfeel and acoustics, the impact of the different housings stands out. The effect of the nylon bottom housing is particularly noticeable during bottom-out actions, contributing to a softer impact sound, while the clear polycarbonate top enhances the noise made during the release of the key. Because both switches employ the same materials for their respective housings, users can anticipate a harmonious blend of auditory characteristics regardless of the specific switch chosen. In essence, whether one opts for the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro or the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, the shared use of polycarbonate and nylon ensures a consistent performance in terms of sound profile, inviting users to enjoy a tailored typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch display notable differences in their actuation forces, which influences their overall typing experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Zero Degree switch remains unknown, making it difficult to fully compare this aspect with the Akko switch. Overall, users seeking a lighter experience should opt for the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those who prefer a stronger push should consider the Gateron Zero Degree 0°.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the differences are quite clear. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shorter option, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° boasts a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will experience a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers who value quick actuation for faster response times. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0°, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial and gradual key press, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for speed, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be the way to go, whereas the Gateron Zero Degree 0° might be better suited for those who favor a more traditional, hearty keystroke.
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 Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 produces a loud, bassier sound signature that adds an expressive auditory element to the typing experience. This pronounced acoustic quality is likely to appeal to users who appreciate the audible feedback that accompanies their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is designed for a much quieter typing experience, utilizing a self-padding design and dual-rail structure that dampens noise significantly. This makes the Zero Degree 0° an excellent choice for environments where silence is paramount, such as offices or shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by a prominent tactile bump, providing clear feedback with each keystroke, which many typists find rewarding and satisfying. This tactile nature enhances typing accuracy and can lead to a more engaging experience. In comparison, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offers a smooth and stable feel without the tactile bump, focusing more on a fluid keystroke experience. Many users appreciate this soft and elastic feedback, which allows for rapid and uninterrupted typing or gaming sessions.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The former stands out with its loud, bassy acoustics and satisfying tactile feedback, while the latter excels in silent operation and a smooth keystroke experience. Depending on your typing style and environment, both switches can provide rewarding and enjoyable results, whether you prefer the auditory and tactile engagement of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro or the whisper-quiet, seamless experience of the Zero Degree 0°.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a satisfying bump during each key press, along with a more engaging and audible typing experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will suit you well. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it ideal for those who type quickly and prefer a bit of sound to accompany their keystrokes. On the other hand, if your priority is a whisper-quiet, smooth typing experience, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is your best bet. With its innovative design that minimizes noise and maximizes stability, this switch is perfect for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions when silence is key. By considering the nature of your work or gaming environment, as well as your tactile preferences, you can confidently select the switch that will enhance your typing experience the most.
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