Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with a decision between two excellent linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is renowned for its budget-friendly excellence, offering a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy feel during typing. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro has a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile by creating a rounder and duller sound.
In terms of sound characteristics, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate top housing will provide a more resonant and clear sound upon key release, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing will give a deeper and fuller sound. When it comes to pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be felt in both switches, creating a consistent deep and full sound profile. Despite the differences in material for the top housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience with their own distinct sound profiles.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro will come down to personal preference in sound characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing for a consistent deep sound profile. Whether you prefer a clearer sound with RGB lighting compatibility or a fuller sound with more depth, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a softer touch for users who prefer a lighter key press. The weight of a switch is crucial as it determines how long one can comfortably type or game without experiencing fatigue. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Akko V3 Piano Pro, while those who enjoy a heavier feel may lean towards the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow 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 G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance than the V3 Piano Pro, making it the longer option between the two. If you prefer a more traditional typing experience with a bit more depth to your keystrokes, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the better choice. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro offers a shorter travel distance, which can be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, your preference for travel distance will depend on whether you prefer a shallower or more responsive typing experience. Both switches offer different travel distances, so choosing between them will depend on your personal typing preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both offer a resonant and high-pitched sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow leans towards a slightly clacky sound, adding a touch of brightness to each keystroke, while the V3 Piano Pro is known for its snappy sound signature, delivering a lively and crisp quality to typing. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound from both switches, with variations depending on factors like the keyboard setup and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is characterized by a polished and creamy typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel, akin to effortlessly gliding across the keys. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a bouncy and creamy feel, merging spring-like feedback with a silky sensation for a lively and smooth typing experience. Both switches offer a refined and pleasant feel, ensuring comfort and satisfaction during prolonged typing sessions.
Considering the information provided, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinctive yet comparable qualities in terms of sound and feel. Users can expect a resonant and high-pitched sound profile from both switches, accentuated by a clacky or snappy sound signature. Moreover, the polished and creamy typing experience of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow aligns closely with the bouncy and creamy feel of the V3 Piano Pro, guaranteeing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with either switch choice. Ultimately, newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboard switches can rely on either option to deliver excellent performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a higher pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a polished and creamy typing feel, then the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a clacky and resonant sound profile, as well as a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing feel, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro may be more suitable for your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so ultimately the decision rests on what specific qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
