Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Red is praised for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, featuring a medium-heavy actuation that provides a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and pleasing tactile experience, thanks to its long pole design. While the Jupiter Red is categorized as 'Polished', 'Creamy', 'Silky', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the V3 Piano Pro is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, offering users various options based on their preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$2.80 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This makes them both a good choice for users who prefer a more muted and rounded sound when typing on their keyboards. However, the Gateron Jupiter Red stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Jupiter Red also allows for better RGB lighting effects due to its translucency.

In terms of aesthetics, the Gateron Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing gives it a more modern and contemporary look, especially when RGB lighting is involved. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing provides a classic and traditional appearance. While both switches offer a different visual appeal, they both offer a comfortable typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller yet satisfying typing sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and aesthetic design.

Overall, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials. While the Gateron Jupiter Red's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Akko V3 Piano Pro's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller typing sound. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar muted and rounded sound when typing. Regardless of the differences in top housing material, both switches prioritize a comfortable and satisfying typing experience for users looking for a reliable and aesthetically pleasing mechanical keyboard.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we see that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it heavier compared to the V3 Piano Pro which has a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Jupiter Red provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the V3 Piano Pro offers a lighter typing feel, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the slight difference in bottom out force may influence a user's choice depending on their personal preference for a lighter or heavier touch. Ultimately, those seeking a more robust typing experience may opt for the Gateron Jupiter Red, while those looking for a lighter touch may favor the Akko V3 Piano Pro.

Travel distance

Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it's clear that the Jupiter Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the V3 Piano Pro's 3.5 mm. While both switches offer a smooth linear feel, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red provides a slightly deeper feel which may be preferable for those who prefer more pronounced key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of typing environments. The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, on the other hand, provides a clacky and resonant sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While both switches offer a smooth actuation, the Piano Pro switch may appeal more to those who enjoy a snappy sound during typing sessions.

When it comes to feel, the Jupiter Red switch provides a polished, creamy, and silky typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, providing a lively feedback sensation with smooth and buttery keystrokes. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Jupiter Red focusing on a refined finish and the V3 Piano Pro emphasizing a lively and elastic feedback sensation during typing.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both provide smooth and consistent actuation, they offer distinct sound and feel experiences. The Jupiter Red is more neutral in sound and offers a polished typing experience, while the V3 Piano Pro switch provides a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy and creamy feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience, with similar smoothness and actuation characteristics.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a consistent and seamless typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Jupiter Red may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively and snappy sound signature with a smoother actuation, the V3 Piano Pro might be more suited to your liking. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider what characteristics you value most in a keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro will depend on the typing experience you desire and what feels most comfortable to you.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Akko V3 Piano Pro Linear

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more