Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro is well-known for its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are praised for their budget-friendly yet exceptional gaming performance, offering a shorter travel distance for lightning-fast responsiveness, vibrant RGB lighting, and a medium-high pitch for an exhilarating auditory experience. While the Crystal Pro switches are categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Chirpy', and 'Polished', the G Pro Silver switches are categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky'. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, but ultimately, the best choice will depend on your individual preferences. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, we see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the V3 Crystal Pro goes a step further by also using polycarbonate for its bottom housing, ensuring a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver opts for a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
While both the V3 Crystal Pro and the G Pro 3.0 Silver share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The V3 Crystal Pro's decision to use polycarbonate for both top and bottom creates a cohesive sound profile that is sharp and clear from bottoming out to releasing a key. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience that may appeal to users preferring a softer sound profile. This variation in housing materials showcases how different materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the V3 Crystal Pro providing a consistent and resonant sound profile throughout the switch, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience and cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience. The V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver with 45 grams, making the latter a lighter option. Additionally, the V3 Crystal Pro also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the 50 grams of the G Pro 3.0 Silver, making it a heavier option overall. The difference in force between these two switches provides users with the option to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of performance and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it can be seen that the V3 Crystal Pro has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver's 3.4 mm. This means that the V3 Crystal Pro requires slightly more distance to press down fully compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. However, both switches fall within the range of what is considered a typical travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference. If you value a slightly deeper key press, the V3 Crystal Pro would be the better option, while if you prefer a quicker response time, the G Pro 3.0 Silver may be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is known for its chirpy and bright sound signature, offering a unique acoustic experience with a little squeak in each press. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. While the V3 Crystal Pro offers a chirpy and lively sound, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch delivers a more soothing and bass-heavy auditory experience, enhancing your overall typing or gaming session.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is praised for its bouncy and polished sensation, providing a spring-like feedback with a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. While the V3 Crystal Pro gives a bouncy and lively feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch provides a silky and gliding sensation, making each keystroke effortless and enjoyable.
Overall, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches offer unique sound and feel experiences, catering to different preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a chirpy and bouncy typing experience, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bassy and buttery feel while typing or gaming, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch could be more suited to your needs. Both switches offer their own advantages and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of sound and feel you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of typing experience and gaming performance. If you prioritize a bright and chirpy sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience, then the V3 Crystal Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value lightning-fast responsiveness, exceptional gaming experience, and vibrant RGB lighting with a medium-high pitch, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and performance.
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