Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features catered towards different preferences. The Jupiter Red is a linear switch known for its smooth and medium-heavy actuation, making it ideal for those who value consistency and precision in their typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is also a linear switch designed specifically for gamers, with features like light actuation force and shortened travel distance for a quick and responsive gaming experience. While the Jupiter Red provides a seamless keystroke and soft backlight effects, the V3 Silver Pro offers effortless keystrokes with a pleasing sound and optimal speed advantage. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. While both switches share this top housing material, they may vary in terms of design and color options.
On the other hand, the Jupiter Red and the V3 Silver Pro differ in their bottom housing material. The Jupiter Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, highlighting the similarities in sound profile and feel between the two switches. However, the design and construction of the bottom housing may vary, impacting the overall typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Red offers a deeper and fuller typing experience compared to the V3 Silver Pro. Whether you prefer a brighter or a more muted sound, the choice of housing material can greatly impact your overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Silver Pro is the lighter option. The Jupiter Red has a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the V3 Silver Pro requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out compared to the Jupiter Red. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the V3 Silver Pro would be the preferable choice. However, for those who prefer a slightly more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Jupiter Red may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Jupiter Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 3.3 mm. The Jupiter Red offers a more traditional feel with a slightly deeper key press, while the V3 Silver Pro provides a shallower and quicker actuation. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the V3 Silver Pro due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Jupiter Red. In conclusion, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch provides a high-pitched sound that delivers a sharp and crisp auditory feedback when typing. Depending on personal preference and surrounding factors like keyboard construction and keycaps, users can choose between a more neutral sound with the Jupiter Reds or a higher-pitched sound with the V3 Silver Pro.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch offers a polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and reduced friction for a refined typing sensation. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch provides an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing experience. These qualities include light actuation force, reduced finger fatigue, and overall comfort, making the V3 Silver Pro ideal for gamers and users seeking a responsive and low-impact typing feel.
Overall, both the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and usage scenarios. While the Jupiter Reds provide a medium-heavy actuation with a neutral sound and a polished, creamy typing feel, the V3 Silver Pro switches focus on light actuation force, high-pitched sound, and easy-to-press, creamy typing experience. Depending on whether the user prioritizes smoothness, actuation force, sound profile, or gaming-specific features, both switches offer unique benefits that can enhance the overall typing and gaming experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing or gaming preferences. If you value a medium-heavy actuation force for a seamless typing experience with a smooth and consistent keystroke, the Jupiter Reds are a top choice. On the other hand, if you require a light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and pleasing bassy sound for competitive gaming scenarios where speed is crucial, the V3 Silver Pro switches are specifically engineered for such needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a medium actuation force and smoother keystrokes (Jupiter Red) or a light actuation force and enhanced gaming performance (V3 Silver Pro).
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