Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, both linear switches. The Ink Box Pink is praised for its smoothness and light typing feel, with a higher-pitched clack adding a unique touch to each keystroke. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro features a snappy sound signature and a smooth actuation, providing a satisfying tactile experience. While the Ink Box Pink is labeled as 'clacky', 'high-pitched', 'silky', and 'polished', the V3 Piano Pro is described as 'bouncy', 'clacky', 'creamy', 'polished', 'resonant', and 'silky'. Each switch offers its own set of qualities that may appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it is clear that the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a more pointed and higher-pitched sound profile, described as clacky, while the V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic material. This difference in sound profile highlights the unique characteristics of each housing material, catering to different preferences in typing experience. While both housing materials serve their purpose effectively, the choice between the two would ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housings of the two switches, the story remains fairly similar. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink provides a pointy and satisfying sound profile, resonating with a higher pitch and clacky feel. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Piano Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic material. Once again, the choice between these housing materials would depend on individual preferences in typing sound and feel, as each material brings its own unique qualities to the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Akko V3 Piano Pro may utilize different housing materials in their tops and bottoms, they both aim to enhance the typing experience with distinct sound profiles. The INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink deliver a precise and clacky typing feel, while the nylon top and bottom housings of the V3 Piano Pro offer a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the versatility and innovation in keyboard switch design.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch. The Ink Box Pink requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 60 grams to bottom out, while the V3 Piano Pro needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. Both switches fall within the medium force range, but the V3 Piano Pro is considered medium-light. The difference in weight between the two switches may provide a different typing experience for users. Some may prefer the lighter feel of the V3 Piano Pro for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier touch of the Ink Box Pink for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for gamers looking for quicker response times. Gamers who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Akko V3 Piano Pro due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, those who enjoy a bit more depth and resistance when typing or gaming may prefer the Gateron Ink Box Pink with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between these two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of functionality and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Pink 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 Pink linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, producing a sharp and bright sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound, featuring a clean and sharp profile that adds a lively and crisp quality to typing. While both switches offer a unique auditory experience, the Ink Box Pink leans towards a higher-pitched sound, while the V3 Piano Pro delivers a more resonant tone.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is characterized by its silky and polished typing sensation, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a spring-like feedback, smooth and buttery typing feel, refined finish, and silky sensation during keystrokes. Both switches prioritize smoothness and tactile satisfaction, with the Ink Box Pink emphasizing a polished and silky feel, while the V3 Piano Pro focuses on a bouncy and creamy texture.
Considering the subjective qualities of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that each switch offers a distinct typing experience in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Box Pink boasts a higher-pitched and clacky sound with a silky and polished feel, the V3 Piano Pro delivers a more resonant and lively sound alongside a bouncy and creamy typing sensation. Both switches prioritize smoothness and unique tactile feedback, catering to the preferences of users seeking different auditory and tactile qualities. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for sound and feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are seeking a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clack, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy sound signature with a smooth actuation, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch with its bouncy and creamy typing experience is a great option to consider. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your needs and typing style.
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