Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° 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 the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro is renowned for its fully polycarbonate construction, showcasing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° stands out for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure which provides unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. While both switches offer a linear typing experience, they each bring their own unique qualities to the table. 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
1.80 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
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. However, the V3 Crystal Pro and the Zero Degree 0° differ in their bottom housing material, with the V3 Crystal Pro featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing and the Zero Degree 0° utilizing a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Zero Degree 0° elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro.
The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings of the switches results in a split of the qualities each housing material brings. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or nylon, will be more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Zero Degree 0° absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile, while the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro contributes to a clearer and more resonant bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether polycarbonate for both switches, will have a greater impact on the sound produced when letting go of a key, maintaining the sharp and crisp sound profile associated with polycarbonate.
Overall, while both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials result in distinct sound profiles. The V3 Crystal Pro with its polycarbonate bottom housing offers a sharper and clearer sound, while the Zero Degree 0° with its nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in housing materials cater to individual preferences for sound and feel, allowing users to choose a switch that best suits their typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the V3 Crystal Pro is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force at 48 grams compared to the Zero Degree 0° at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Crystal Pro is also slightly heavier at 60 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Zero Degree 0°. The actuation force of the V3 Crystal Pro is medium, providing a balanced typing experience while the Zero Degree 0° force is unknown. Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a switch, with lighter switches allowing for more extended typing sessions, which is perfect for work or gaming, and heavier switches providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Overall, while the actuation forces vary slightly, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both are relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. The V3 Crystal Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial keypress feel compared to the slightly shorter travel distance of the Zero Degree 0°. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Zero Degree 0°, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the V3 Crystal Pro. In general, both switches offer similar travel distances, providing a comfortable typing experience for users.
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 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
Overall, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro stands out for its bright and chirpy sound signature, offering a silky smooth typing experience with a bouncy and polished feel. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° revolutionizes silent typing with its self-padding design and dual-rail structure, providing unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise.
If you prefer a switch with a chirpy sound and a bouncy, polished feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro would be the ideal choice. However, if you are looking for a switch that offers unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a silent typing experience, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking. Both switches offer excellent qualities that are sure to enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider the factors that are most important to you in a keyboard switch. If you prioritize a bright and chirpy sound signature, along with a silky smooth typing experience, then the V3 Crystal Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that reduces noise, then the Zero Degree 0° may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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