Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and Gateron Glory Yellow both offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro, renowned for its fully polycarbonate construction, provides a bright and chirpy sound signature, creating an engaging auditory experience alongside its silky smooth feel. Its bouncy and polished characteristics make it an appealing choice for those who value a responsive and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a heavier feel, which can contribute to a more substantial and satisfying keystroke. With a pleasing travel distance, it strikes a balance between comfort and performance, making it a fantastic option for both casual typing and intense gaming sessions. Each switch shines in its own right, tailored for specific user needs—whether you prefer the lively feedback of the Crystal Pro or the sturdy keystroke of the Glory Yellow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
50g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Glory Yellow present a stark contrast in both composition and resultant sound profile. The V3 Crystal Pro utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a unique auditory experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances resonance and clarity, making it particularly suitable for setups featuring RGB lighting due to its translucency. Thus, switching from one key to another provides a distinct feedback that can be more immediate and pronounced, appealing to users who prefer a more responsive typing experience.
Conversely, the Gateron Glory Yellow employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, lending itself to a markedly different sound profile. Nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This quality allows for a more muted and rounded sound upon keypresses, positioning it as an appealing option for users seeking a quieter and less sharp response. Both switch types offer distinct tactile differences due to their housing materials; while polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and responsiveness, nylon favors depth and softness, showcasing how the material choice directly influences the user experience during typing.
When considering the combined effects of the housing materials, the differences between the two switches become even more pronounced. While the V3 Crystal Pro benefits from a uniform polycarbonate composition that enhances both downstroke and upstroke sounds, the Glory Yellow presents a cohesive nylon sound profile, wherein both keypresses contribute to a rounded auditory experience. Therefore, users can expect distinctly different tactile and auditory feedback based on the switch material. However, if one were to combine both types in a single keyboard, the unique qualities inherent to each housing material would create an interesting dynamic, resulting in a hybrid experience that ultimately delivers a wide range of sound and feedback characterized by the distinctive attributes of both polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch present a nuanced comparison in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Crystal Pro features an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium weight switch. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force at 50 grams, but its bottom out force remains unspecified. This means that while the V3 Crystal Pro provides a defined resistance when bottoming out, the Glory Yellow’s full push response is unknown. As a result, the V3 Crystal Pro can be considered lighter due to its lower actuation force while still delivering a solid typing experience, whereas the Glory Yellow offers a more substantial sensation but with an ambiguous bottoming out experience. For users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro may be the more suitable choice, while those who appreciate a stronger push feel might lean towards the Gateron Glory Yellow, depending on how its overall feel manifests when bottomed out.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the Glory Yellow offers a feeling of more depth, which can be preferable for users who enjoy a more pronounced key press. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro provides a slightly shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers or those who favor quicker response times in their typing or gaming experience. Thus, for those who prefer a more immediate actuation, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro is the better option. In summary, if you're looking for a switch with a shorter travel distance, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro is the choice, while the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a longer, deeper feel.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro produces a bright and chirpy sound signature thanks to its fully polycarbonate construction. This unique material contributes to a higher pitch that can be quite pleasing for typists who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. Conversely, the exact sound characteristics of the Gateron Glory Yellow are not specified, leaving some uncertainty about how these switches compare in sound. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by any switch will also depend heavily on the type of keyboard it’s used with and the choice of keycaps, so it is possible to achieve a similar acoustic profile with thoughtful pairing.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Crystal Pro is characterized as bouncy and polished, resulting in a tactile experience that provides a satisfying rebound effect followed by a silky smooth key travel. This combination can make typing feel lively and fluid. On the other hand, while the Gateron Glory Yellow offers a smooth keystroke and a pleasing travel distance, specific descriptors of its feel are not available. Therefore, the tactile feedback and overall typing sensation of the Glory Yellow remains largely unknown, which may be a deciding factor for users looking to compare these two switches directly.
In conclusion, both switches have their distinct qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro excels in both sound and the lively, smooth typing feel that many users find enjoyable. The Gateron Glory Yellow promises a smooth experience but lacks detailed descriptions for a comprehensive comparison. Depending on the desired sound and tactile feedback, users may lean towards the V3 Crystal Pro for a more vibrant auditory and tactile experience, while the Gateron Glory Yellow may still prove to be a worthy contender that requires user exploration to fully appreciate its qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and intended usage. If you are someone who enjoys a brighter sound profile with a distinct chirp and prefers a medium bottom-out force for a balanced typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro could be your best bet. Its bounciness and polished feel not only provide a lively response but also enhance the smoothness of your keystrokes, making it ideal for those who type a lot or enjoy gaming where reaction times matter. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch that delivers a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, the Glory Yellow might be more appealing to you. Though it is slightly less defined in terms of sound, its overall design fosters a comfortable typing experience, making it a suitable choice for general use without the need for an exuberant auditory feedback. In the end, consider your typing tendencies, sound preferences, and the type of work or gaming you engage in, as these factors will significantly influence which switch enhances your keyboard experience more effectively.
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