Gateron Glory Red vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro present two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches. The Glory Red is celebrated for its lighter actuation force and smooth keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a comfortable and effortless typing experience. Its pleasing travel distance works well for both typing and gaming scenarios, catering to users who favor speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro distinguishes itself with its long pole design, which not only provides a smooth actuation but also enhances the auditory experience with a snappy sound signature. This gives each keystroke a lively quality that may appeal to users looking for both functionality and a touch of excitement in their typing sessions. While both switches offer a smoother feel characteristic of linear switches, their unique attributes cater to different preferences—whether it’s the Glory Red's ease of use or the Piano Pro's engaging acoustics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Glory Red and Akko V3 Piano Pro switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, resulting in notably similar performance characteristics when it comes to sound profile and typing experience. The use of nylon, a classic and favored material in switch design, ensures that both switches deliver a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer plastic composition. This softness allows for greater sound absorption when typing, leading to a rounder and more muted sound profile that can enhance the overall acoustic environment of a keyboard. Consequently, users can expect a satisfying auditory feedback experience regardless of which switch they choose.
As there are no differences in housing materials between the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, the tactile feedback and sound produced during use will be virtually identical. The impact of the nylon material extends to both the top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound sensation and the top housing primarily affecting the sound as the switch is released. This coherence in housing materials means that typists will experience a uniformity in keypress sound and feel across both switches, making them equally suitable for users prioritizing a smooth and muted typing experience.
In summary, the decision between the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro can be simplified as both products offer similar performance due to their identical nylon housing materials. Whether one switch is preferred over the other may ultimately come down to additional factors beyond housing, such as switch actuation force or design aesthetics, since the acoustic and tactile outputs are fundamentally aligned. Thus, users can anticipate a consistent experience and should base their choice on personal preferences in other specifications rather than differences in housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating they offer a similar typing experience when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly; the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Gateron Glory Red is unavailable. As a result, users of the Glory Red can expect a lighter overall typing experience, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use during long typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the heavier bottom out force of the V3 Piano Pro provides a more substantial feel at the end of a keystroke. For those who appreciate a heavier switch for a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Akko V3 Piano Pro may be the better choice. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Gateron Glory Red is the way to go, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a medium-light actuation with a heavier bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Piano Pro measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Gateron Glory Red the longer option by just 0.1 mm, providing a slightly deeper feel when pressed. For users who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro might be more appealing, as it enables faster actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a deeper keypress might find the Glory Red to be a better fit, given its longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the modern trend of shorter travel distances, catering to various preferences depending on whether one values speed or depth in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red 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 Red for $4.19.
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 Glory Red switch tends to produce a relatively muted and soft profile in comparison to the more prominent auditory qualities of the Akko V3 Piano Pro. The V3 Piano Pro is characterized by a lively and crisp sound signature, often described as clacky and resonant. This results in a sharp, bright auditory experience with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. The subjective auditory experience can vary based on the keyboard and keycap choices, but generally, the Glory Red will offer a subtler sound, whereas the V3 Piano Pro adds an energetic touch to the typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Glory Red switches are known for their smooth keystroke, providing a pleasant typing experience with a good travel distance. While the specific descriptors are missing, the overall impression is one of comfort during use. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches present a multifaceted typing sensation. They are described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, which means they deliver a lively feedback sensation alongside a smooth and buttery typing experience. The combination of these qualities provides an engaging tactile journey, contrasting with the potentially gentler yet still satisfying feel of the Glory Red.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Red offers a smooth, agreeable typing experience with a more subdued sound, the Akko V3 Piano Pro captures attention with its lively auditory presence and a rich variety of tactile sensations. Those who prefer a quieter yet still enjoyable typing experience may gravitate towards the Glory Red, while enthusiasts looking for an engaging, auditory, and tactile journey might find the V3 Piano Pro switches to be more suited to their tastes. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, your decision should hinge on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and the weight of the switch. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth keystroke that allows for rapid typist feedback without excessive force, the Glory Red would be your ideal choice. Its effortless actuation offers a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, particularly suited for long typing sessions or gaming where you want quick and unhindered responses. On the other hand, if you find yourself drawn to a more tactile and auditory experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is excellent for those who appreciate a clacky and resonant sound profile paired with a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams. This switch not only provides a lively auditory engagement with each keystroke but also offers a bouncy and creamy feel that can make typing feel more dynamic and enjoyable. In summary, if you value lightness and smoothness, go for the Gateron Glory Red; however, if you crave an engaging sound and a lively tactile response, the Akko V3 Piano Pro would better meet your needs.
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