Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Ink Box Black is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro boasts a snappy sound signature that adds a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke, while maintaining a smooth actuation for a pleasing tactile experience. Each switch is categorized differently in terms of sound and feel, with the Ink Box Black being described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished' and the V3 Piano Pro as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Depending on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, you may lean towards one switch over the other. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko V3 Piano Pro differ in terms of their sound profiles. While the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound, the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound. This results in a clacky sound for the Ink Box Black and a rounder sound for the V3 Piano Pro. These contrasting sound profiles can significantly affect the typing experience and overall satisfaction with the switch.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings, both switches use similar materials. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black and the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Piano Pro both contribute to the sound profile when bottoming out a key. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the more pointed and higher-pitched sound created by the INK blend bottom housing. Despite the differences in sound, the overall impact of the bottom housing on the typing experience remains consistent between the two switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Ink Box Black and the V3 Piano Pro will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. While the Ink Box Black offers a more clacky and higher-pitched sound due to its INK blend top housing, the V3 Piano Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Both switches share similar qualities in their bottom housings, allowing for a consistent experience when bottoming out a key. Whether one prefers a sharper sound or a rounder sound will determine which switch is the better fit for their typing needs.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Box Black and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches reveals some differences in weight. The Gateron Ink Box Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on the weight preference of the user. Some may prefer the lighter Akko V3 for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier Gateron Ink Box Black for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for quick and responsive typing or gaming. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Ink Box Black for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth and feedback compared to the V3 Piano Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Ink Box Black switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch provides a clacky and resonant sound, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Both switches have their own unique auditory charm, with the Ink Box Black having a sharper sound and the V3 Piano Pro offering a cleaner and higher-pitched sound. The choice between them would depend on personal preference for sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky sensation, giving a spring-like feedback with smooth and buttery key presses. Both switches excel in offering a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Ink Box Black focusing more on smoothness and the V3 Piano Pro providing a bouncier and creamier feel. Again, the choice between them would depend on the individual's desired typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Box Black provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel, the V3 Piano Pro switch delivers a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. Depending on whether a sharper or cleaner sound profile and a smoother or bouncier typing feel is preferred, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, with slight variations in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy linear switch with an incredibly smooth and creamy feel, as well as a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch with a snappy sound signature, bouncy and creamy feel, along with a polished and resonant sound profile, then the Akko V3 Piano Pro would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preference for key feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Choose wisely based on what characteristics are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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