Gateron Melodic vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, a linear switch. The Gateron Melodic is celebrated for its reinvigoration of the clicky switch category with advanced features such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing users with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while maintaining smoothness. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro stands out for its Piano Pro switches, known for a snappy sound signature that adds a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke while still offering a smooth actuation. Both switches offer unique qualities and benefits, making them appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts. 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
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, one key difference is the material used for the top housing. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Melodic also makes it ideal for RGB lighting, while the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro absorbs more sound, creating a duller sound.
Another point of comparison is the material used for the bottom housing in both switches. Both the Melodic and the V3 Piano Pro use nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound overall. With both switches utilizing the same material for the bottom housing, the typing experience in terms of sound profile may be more similar between the two despite differences in the top housing material.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Gateron Melodic and the Akko V3 Piano Pro can have a significant impact on the typing experience. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic creates a sharp and resonant sound when pressing down on keys, while the nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a consistent deep and full sound profile, showing that while the top housing material can influence certain aspects of the typing experience, the bottom housing material can also play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch both have medium actuation forces, with the Melodic having None grams and the Piano Pro having 45 grams. However, the Melodic has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Piano Pro's 55 grams, making the Melodic switch the heavier of the two. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Piano Pro may be the better option due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, the Melodic switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preference, with the Melodic being ideal for those who prefer a heavier feel and the Piano Pro for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference in their distances. The Melodic switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the V3 Piano Pro has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Therefore, the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Melodic. This means that the Akko V3 Piano Pro would provide a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers who require fast reactions. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic with its longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key. In terms of similarity, both switches provide a comfortable and satisfying key press experience despite having different travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Melodic is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, offering a higher-pitched and clean auditory experience similar to stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is described as having a clacky and resonant sound signature, providing a sharp, snappy, and percussive sound that adds a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. Both switches offer a unique auditory charm that enhances the typing experience, with the Melodic focusing more on the classic clicky sound and the Piano Pro offering a lively and crisp sound quality.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic is recognized for its buttery and invigorating sensation, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches ensure a satisfying tactile experience, with the Melodic emphasizing a seamless and uniform typing sensation while the Piano Pro provides a lively and rebounding feel to each keystroke.
Overall, both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic focuses on providing a classic clicky sound with smoothness, the Piano Pro delivers a lively and crisp sound signature alongside a bouncy and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, with both options offering an immersive and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it really comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing experience, then the Melodic switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and resonant sound with a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky typing sensation, then the V3 Piano Pro switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what kind of auditory and tactile feedback you find most satisfying in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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