Gateron Luciola vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and the Akko V3 Silver Pro stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The Gateron Luciola is known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and distinctive sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is specifically engineered for gamers, offering effortless keystrokes, pleasing bassy sound, light actuation force, and shortened travel distance. While the Luciola provides a snappy and clacky typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro offers an easy-to-press and creamy feel. Both switches have polished and high-pitched characteristics, but the Luciola leans towards being marbly and buttery, while the V3 Silver Pro is described as feathery and silky. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your specific preference for typing or gaming style. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Akko V3 Silver Pro differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profile. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as clacky. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro utilizes polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. While both top housings offer distinct sound profiles, the use of polycarbonate in the V3 Silver Pro allows for the implementation of RGB lighting, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
The bottom housings of the Gateron Luciola and the Akko V3 Silver Pro also exhibit differences in their material composition and resulting sound profiles. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing mirrors its top housing, creating a thin and higher-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. Conversely, the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. These contrasting sound profiles contribute to the overall typing experience of each switch, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
In summary, the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Akko V3 Silver Pro play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Luciola utilizes its proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a consistent sound profile, the V3 Silver Pro combines polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housings, respectively, offering a blend of sharper and deeper sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic considerations, such as the ability to incorporate RGB lighting with the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Luciola is heavier in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the V3 Silver Pro. The Luciola requires 55 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 60 grams to bottom out, while the V3 Silver Pro only needs 40 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out. This makes the V3 Silver Pro a lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the V3 Silver Pro would be the ideal choice. However, for users who prefer a firmer and more substantial typing feel, the Luciola would be more suitable. Both switches offer different levels of force to cater to individual preferences, ensuring that users can get their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the V3 Silver Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Luciola. The difference may not be noticeable to some, but for those who prefer a quicker response time, the V3 Silver Pro may be the preferred choice. However, if you enjoy a more substantial keypress with a bit more depth, the Luciola with its slightly longer travel distance could be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to the preference of those who value speed and agility in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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.
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 Luciola linear switch is described as producing a clacky and chirpy sound with a marbly and high-pitched profile. This unique combination of sound characteristics provides a crisp and bright typing experience, akin to tapping on solid marble or billiard balls colliding. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is noted for its high-pitched sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Luciola leaning towards a more varied sound profile compared to the straightforward high-pitched sound of the V3 Silver Pro. The overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is known for its snappy and buttery typing experience, providing responsive and fluid key presses. The polished finish of the switch enhances smooth key travel, reducing friction and offering a sleek typing sensation. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is designed for easy-to-press keystrokes, requiring minimal force to activate. The creamy and feathery feel of the switch ensures a smooth and low-impact typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions such as gaming or work. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, with the Luciola focusing on a more responsive feel while the V3 Silver Pro prioritizes light actuation force and comfort during typing.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Luciola stands out for its varied sound profile and snappy, buttery typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro excels in providing a high-pitched sound and easy-to-press, creamy feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, users can choose between the distinct characteristics of each switch to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches guarantee a satisfying and efficient typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Luciola linear switch or the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are drawn to a medium heft with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a unique glowing feature, the Luciola may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for a switch with a light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and a pleasing bassy sound, the V3 Silver Pro might be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of advantages, so be sure to consider your preferences in terms of feel, sound, and intended use before making your decision.
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