Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Ink Box Black is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a clacky and high-pitched sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is designed with gamers in mind, offering effortless keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound. The V3 Silver Pro also stands out for its light actuation force and shortened travel distance, ideal for situations where speed is of the essence. While both switches have their own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific use cases. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, we see that the Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material used in the V3 Silver Pro's housing offers a stiffer plastic compared to the INK blend, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound overall.
Furthermore, the differences between the bottom housings of these switches further highlight the contrast in sound profiles. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black contributes to its thin and higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the clacky sensation that users often enjoy. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Silver Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic material that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound that provides a different typing experience compared to the Ink Box Black.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes evident that each material brings distinct qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is influenced by the material used, such as the nylon in the V3 Silver Pro creating a deeper sound profile. In comparison, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate in the V3 Silver Pro enhancing the crisp and clear sound upon key release. Ultimately, the choice between the INK blend of the Ink Box Black and the polycarbonate and nylon of the V3 Silver Pro will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing sensation.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lower bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch and potentially reducing fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to individual preferences, with the Gateron switch leaning towards heavier forces and the Akko switch being lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces to achieve the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm option. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Akko V3 Silver Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Gateron Ink Box Black with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and key press 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 Silver 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 Silver 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 linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch also offers a high-pitched sound, emphasizing sharpness and crispness. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Ink Box Black having a distinct clacky sound while the V3 Silver Pro delivers a pleasing bassy tone. Ultimately, the sound produced by either switch will also be influenced by factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is characterized by a silky and polished typing experience, offering minimal resistance and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is known for its easy-to-press and creamy properties, providing light actuation force and buttery key presses. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro switch is described as feathery, requiring little exertion and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, albeit in slightly different ways.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it's clear that the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Box Black excels in providing a clacky sound and a silky typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro stands out with its high-pitched sound and creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing sensation. Both switches promise a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that users will get satisfying results regardless of their selection.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more bassy sound, along with easy-to-press, creamy, and polished key feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing preferences and the specific use case for your keyboard, whether it be for gaming, work, or general typing tasks.
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