Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie 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 Sea Salt Smoothie offers distinct advantages that cater to different preferences among enthusiasts. The V3 Crystal Pro switches are celebrated for their fully polycarbonate construction, resulting in a bright and chirpy sound signature paired with a silky smooth typing experience. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a lively, bouncy feedback that enhances the enjoyment of typing or gaming. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, made from medium-weight all-POM materials, provides a thocky sound profile, delivering exceptional smoothness while breaking the price barrier without compromising on quality. This switch is ideal for users who favor a more subdued auditory feedback while still enjoying a top-tier typing experience. Both switches appeal to different styles and preferences, but ultimately, the best choice depends on what feels right for you. 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
48g
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
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it is evident that both switches employ different materials for their respective top and bottom housings—polycarbonate for the V3 Crystal Pro and POM for the Sea Salt Smoothie. The use of polycarbonate in the V3 Crystal Pro results in a sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone, largely due to the material's inherent stiffness. This leads to a more resonant sound that many users find appealing, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top housing yields a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a distinctive auditory experience that is noticeably warmer and less sharp than that produced by polycarbonate.
Examining the bottom housings, the distinctions remain significant. The V3 Crystal Pro continues with polycarbonate for the bottom housing, reinforcing its brighter sound characteristics. This setup ensures that both the bottom-out sound and feel are elevated in terms of clarity and resonance. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing contributes to its overall deeper tone, further enhancing the switch's unique auditory profile. The combination of POM in both the top and bottom housings of the Sea Salt Smoothie results in a more consistent sound experience across the keystroke, while the V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate bottom enriches the higher end of the sound spectrum.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the two switches lead to contrasting sound experiences. The V3 Crystal Pro's polycarbonate offers a crisp, high-pitched clarity that may be more favorable for users who enjoy pronounced acoustic feedback, particularly in gaming or typing contexts. Meanwhile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's POM materials create a deeper, more muted sound that could appeal to those who prefer a softer acoustic profile. However, both switches will provide a satisfying tactile and auditory response, albeit through different sound profiles, conveying how the choice of materials significantly influences the overall performance and user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, both switches display the same actuation force of 48 grams, indicating they require an equal amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This similarity makes them feel relatively lightweight, which is beneficial for users who favor extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. However, the bottom out force varies significantly. The V3 Crystal Pro has a definitive bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a firmer resistance when fully pressed, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force is classified as unknown, leaving unclear how it feels upon bottoming out. Thus, while both switches share the same actuation force, the V3 Crystal Pro is the heavier option when considering the bottom out force, which could lead to differing preferences based on user comfort and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch differ slightly in travel distance, with the V3 Crystal Pro featuring a travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Sea Salt Smoothie's 3.7 mm. This means that the Sea Salt Smoothie is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who seek faster response times. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a less abrupt feel when typing. In terms of overall performance, if you choose either switch, you'll experience a responsive typing or gaming experience, but the V3 Crystal Pro will offer a slightly deeper actuation point due to its longer travel distance.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 switch features a bright and chirpy sound profile, characterized by a distinct little squeak that sets it apart from other switches. This sound signature is largely influenced by its fully polycarbonate construction, which contributes to its unique acoustic properties. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a thocky sound profile that is more subdued and deeper compared to the Crystal Pro. While the specific acoustic traits of the Smoothie aren't detailed, its thocky nature suggests a more muted typing experience, allowing for a softer auditory feedback when typing. It's worth noting that the sound produced by each switch can also be affected by the keyboard plate and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Crystal Pro is described as bouncy and polished. The bouncy quality delivers a spring-like feedback that provides a lively sensation during typing, while the polished finish ensures that the key travel is smooth and refined. This combination allows for an enjoyable and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to users seeking a high-quality linear switch, but specific descriptors regarding its feel aren't provided. Therefore, while the Smoothie is expected to be smooth as well, the precise tactile sensation and responsiveness remain unknown.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches present distinct sound profiles, with the former being bright and chirpy, and the latter thocky and more muted. Regarding feel, the V3 Crystal Pro offers bounce and polish, while details of the Smoothie's tactile characteristics are unspecified. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to deliver exceptional smoothness. Ultimately, your choice between the two will largely depend on your preference for sound and the specific typing experience you desire.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a lively and tactile typing experience with a bright, chirpy sound profile, the V3 Crystal Pro is likely your best bet. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a satisfying resistance that many typists appreciate. The polycarbonate construction not only enhances the auditory experience but also yields a polished and bouncy feel that can be exhilarating during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if your preference leans towards a thocky sound, along with a silky smooth key travel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie could be the switch for you. This switch may be slightly more mysterious with its unknown bottom-out force, but its POM material suggests an excellent blend of durability and smoothness. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and sound preferences, as both switches offer unique advantages depending on what you seek in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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