Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red stands out for its budget-friendly price point and smooth typing experience, thanks to its medium-light actuation force that balances responsiveness and ease of use. With a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting, and a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory experience, this switch is a great choice for those looking to elevate their typing performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro switches are known for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, offering a pleasing tactile experience along with a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, the key difference lies in their top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This contrast in sound profiles indicates that the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the V3 Piano Pro use nylon for their bottom housings. This choice of material leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when using either switch. The role of the bottom housing in impacting the bottom-out sound and feel remains essential in providing a satisfying typing experience for both switches.
Overall, while the G Pro 3.0 Red and the V3 Piano Pro differ in their top housing materials, they share a similarity in their choice of nylon for the bottom housing. The contrasting sound profiles created by the polycarbonate and nylon top housings provide users with options based on their preferences for sound aesthetics. At the same time, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of the deep and full sound profile produced by both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may rest on the user's preference for a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we can see that they both have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Akko V3 Piano Pro, which has a bottom out force of 55 grams. The difference in bottom out force means that the Akko V3 Piano Pro will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be the better option, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may lean towards the Akko V3 Piano Pro. In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 Red is on the lighter side, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro falls into the medium-light category. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, making them suitable for various typing preferences and uses.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Red is slightly longer than that of the V3 Piano Pro. The 4.0mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Red is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, which some users may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the 3.5mm travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro is shorter and may cater to users looking for a faster response time, which is preferred by gamers. In terms of travel distance, if you prefer a more responsive and shallow key press, the Akko V3 Piano Pro would be the better option, while those who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
The Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch offers a neutral auditory experience, with a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying sound profile suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a distinctive clacky and resonant sound signature, giving each keystroke a sharp and crisp quality, adding a lively touch to typing sessions. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound, whether one prefers a neutral tone or a more distinctive and lively typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, with descriptors such as creamy, polished, and silky highlighting the refined and polished feel of both switches. The G Pro 3.0 Red is described as creamy, mild, and polished, offering a silky sensation that makes typing effortlessly smooth. Similarly, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. Users looking for a tactile and refined typing experience would find satisfaction in either of these switches.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer users a smooth and satisfying typing experience with their respective sound and feel qualities. While the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a neutral sound with a creamy feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback. Users can expect a similar level of typing comfort and performance from either switch, ensuring a pleasurable typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a budget-friendly option with a light actuation force and a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the G Pro 3.0 Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a snappy sound signature with a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience, the V3 Piano Pro switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your individual typing style and preference for sound and feel.
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