Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices that often stand out are the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, both of which are linear switches. The Gateron Ink Yellow is renowned for its shorter travel distance, offering a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Described as smooth and clacky, this switch provides a pleasant feel while typing and is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro features a unique design with a long pole that contributes to its snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Despite its auditory charm, this switch still maintains a smooth actuation, providing a satisfying tactile experience. Categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a different typing experience compared to the Gateron Ink Yellow. 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
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches provide distinct sound profiles. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing creates a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Ink Yellow offers a sharper and thinner sound, the V3 Piano Pro delivers a rounder and duller sound experience.
Despite their differences, both switches share the characteristic of utilizing top and bottom housing materials to influence sound. The Gateron Ink Yellow's proprietary blend affects both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a satisfyingly clacky sound profile. Similarly, the Akko V3 Piano Pro's use of nylon in both top and bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. While the Ink Yellow leans towards a higher-pitched sound, the V3 Piano Pro offers a more rounded and subdued sound due to the absorbing nature of nylon.
In terms of feel, the housing materials of the Ink Yellow and Piano Pro switches play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a tactile experience when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch. Despite their differing compositions, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique typing experiences for users.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron Ink Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, creating a medium-light feel. The difference in weight between the two switches has different implications for users. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Ink Yellow, while users looking for a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Akko V3 Piano Pro more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same travel distance of 3.5 mm. This uniformity in travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a shorter keypress. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, making them ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming. Overall, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches provide a similar typing experience due to their identical travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is best described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of typing preferences. It offers a clacky sound that is sharp and percussive, adding a satisfying auditory feedback to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch excels in producing a clacky sound with resonant qualities, giving a higher-pitched and immersive experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, depending on personal preferences and setup.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, making it approachable to most users with its safe and middle-ground qualities. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, this switch provides a refined and sleek feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky. These switches provide a lively and elastic feedback sensation, along with a smooth and buttery typing experience. The keys glide effortlessly, offering a silky sensation that enhances the overall typing feel.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Yellow and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches have their unique strengths that can cater to different preferences. The Ink Yellow provides a balance between laptop and standard mechanical keyboard typing experiences, with a smooth and clacky sound. Meanwhile, the V3 Piano Pro excels in producing a lively and crisp sound along with a bouncy and creamy typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing style and auditory preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a shorter travel distance, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a great choice. It offers a smooth and clacky typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a snappy sound signature, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is the way to go. The Piano Pro switches provide a crisp and lively tactile experience while maintaining smooth actuation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a medium-heavy or medium-light bottom out force, as well as the specific sound and feel characteristics that best suit your typing preferences.
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