Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Glory Red, both linear switches, can significantly impact your typing experience. The V3 Crystal Pro switches are notable for their unique fully polycarbonate construction, resulting in a bright and chirpy sound profile that many users find engaging, while their bouncy and polished feel enhances the overall smoothness of each keystroke. On the other hand, Gateron Glory Red switches are designed to offer a lighter touch, promoting a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance, making them ideal for users seeking a more effortless typing experience. While the V3 Crystal Pro caters to those who appreciate a distinctive auditory feedback and a plush touch, the Gateron Glory Red focuses on delivering a straightforward, satisfying feel without extra frills. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Glory Red switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The V3 Crystal Pro features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which produces a crisper and higher-pitched sound due to the material's rigidity. This quality makes polycarbonate especially advantageous for designs that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Red employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, generating a deeper and fuller sound. The softer and more absorbent nature of nylon leads to a rounder sound profile, contrasting sharply with the sharper acoustic characteristics of polycarbonate.
When considering the effects of these materials on the overall typing experience, the differences in sound reproduction become even more pronounced. The V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing emphasizes the clarity of the bottom-out sound, which can create an energetic typing feedback that some users find appealing. This is enhanced by the stiffness of the material, allowing for a more resonant response when keystrokes are executed. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red's nylon bottom housing results in a softer impact when bottoming out, leading to a more muted auditory feedback. For users who prefer a rich, cushioned feel while typing, the nylon housing is likely to offer a more satisfying experience.
Despite the varying materials used in the two switches, both can achieve pleasant and effective typing results, albeit in different ways. Typists will appreciate the V3 Crystal Pro's sharper sound for its clarity and responsiveness, particularly in setups featuring dynamic lighting. Meanwhile, those drawn to the Gateron Glory Red's sound will benefit from its distinctly softer acoustic signature, which caters to preferences for low-noise environments. Ultimately, users may find similar satisfaction in their choice of switch, depending on their individual sound preferences and typing styles, even if the materials themselves diverge significantly in character and performance.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch present an interesting comparison when it comes to their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Crystal Pro has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating a medium weight that can cater to both typing and gaming needs. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red features a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams; however, its bottom out force is unknown. This means that users can expect a lighter touch with the Glory Red, potentially leading to less finger fatigue during prolonged use, making it a great option for extended typing or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Akko V3's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer push. Ultimately, the V3 Crystal Pro is the heavier option overall, while the Gateron Glory Red stands out for lighter actuation, assuming its bottom out force is not overly pronounced.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, the V3 Crystal Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Glory Red comes in slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that the V3 Crystal Pro offers a more noticeable depth when pressed, making it preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red, with its shorter travel distance, could be favored by gamers who prioritize quicker response times and rapid key presses. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference—whether one prefers the more robust feel of the longer travel distance or the quick action of the shorter one.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 switches deliver a bright and chirpy audio profile, characterized by their unique squeaky signature that adds a distinctiveness to every keystroke. This lively sound can elevate the typing experience, making it enjoyable in a way that some may find pleasant. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red linear switches do not have a clearly defined sound signature stated, though users often find Gateron switches to possess a subtle and muted acoustics. It's important to note that the overall sound perception can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and the acoustics of your environment.
In terms of feel, the V3 Crystal Pro switches provide an engaging typing sensation with their bouncy and polished characteristics. The bounciness offers a spring-like feedback that contributes to a lively and energetic typing experience. Coupled with a polished finish, users can expect reduced friction and a sleek key travel that enhances overall comfort. The Gateron Glory Red switches, while not discussed in detail regarding their tactile feel, are generally known for their smooth keystroke and enjoyable travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a consistent and fluid pressing action.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and Gateron Glory Red linear switches have their distinguishing features, they both cater to users seeking a smooth typing experience. The V3 Crystal Pro’s chirpy sound and bouncy, polished feel provide a unique character, while the Glory Red offers a straightforward, smooth keystroke that many appreciate. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch could lead to a satisfying typing experience, and those familiar with Gateron switches may find the Glory Red's acoustic and tactile properties to align well with their expectations. Choosing between the two will ultimately depend on the specific attributes that matter most to you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, your decision should hinge on your typing preferences and what you value most in a switch. If you appreciate a medium bottom out force that offers a slight tactile feedback and a lively typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro would be an excellent choice. Its fully polycarbonate construction not only provides a unique chirpy sound but also delivers a bouncy, polished feel that enhances your interaction with the keyboard. This switch is ideal if you enjoy a bit of character in your typing, as its acoustic profile can add excitement to your sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter smooth keystroke without a specific bottom out force, the Glory Red switch may better suit your needs, especially if you prioritize a straightforward, enjoyable typing experience. While this switch offers a pleasing travel distance, it lacks the distinct characteristics of the V3 Crystal Pro, making it more suited for those who prefer a more traditional and muted feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your own typing style and how you want your keyboard to feel and sound during use.
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