Gateron Ink Red vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches stand out as popular options with unique features. The Gateron Ink Red is ideal for those seeking a lighter typing experience, thanks to its lower actuation force. Known for its satisfyingly smooth feel and crisp, clacky sound profile, the Ink Red switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a snappy sound signature and a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke, enhancing the tactile experience. Categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Piano Pro switch is designed with a long pole for added distinctiveness. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Ink Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Gateron Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a satisfying and clacky sound that is pointed and high-pitched. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro opts for nylon housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the Ink Red offers a thinner and higher-pitched sound, the V3 Piano Pro provides a duller and rounder sound, showcasing the different characteristics of their housing materials.
In terms of the top housing, the Gateron Ink Red's INK blend creates a sharp and pointed sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. The differences in sound quality between the two switches highlight the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience. While the Ink Red offers a high-pitched and thin sound, the V3 Piano Pro delivers a rounder and more subdued sound, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Gateron Ink Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro maintain their distinct sound profiles. The INK blend of the Ink Red contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Piano Pro adds to its deeper and fuller sound. The split between the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials influences the overall sound and feel of each switch, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, both have a similar actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Ink Red requires a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, giving a slightly firmer typing feel compared to the V3 Piano Pro, which has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Ink Red for a more substantial typing experience, while others may favor the lighter bottom out force of the V3 Piano Pro for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is preferred.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red 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. In this case, the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Ink Red. The Ink Red offers a more traditional travel distance, while the V3 Piano Pro provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the Akko V3 Piano Pro for its shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the Gateron Ink Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Ink Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a hint of chirpiness, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a clacky and resonant sound that adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke, creating an immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, so the choice between them would depend on personal preference and the desired typing atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch provides a silky and mild typing experience, offering smooth key travel and minimizing resistance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch delivers a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, with a smooth and refined finish for effortless keystrokes. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort, making them ideal choices for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to individual typing preferences and the desired tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Red and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer different sound and feel characteristics, they both excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the crispy and clacky sound of the Ink Red or the snappy and resonant sound of the V3 Piano Pro, both switches are designed to enhance your typing efficiency and comfort. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Red linear switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, you should take into account your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a crispy sound profile, the Ink Red may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a snappy sound signature with a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke, along with a smooth actuation, then the V3 Piano Pro could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your selection.
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