Gateron Melodic vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a linear switch. The Gateron Melodic stands out for its reinvigoration of the clicky switch category, offering a blend of classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with modern advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored specifically for gamers, boasting smooth keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound, along with light actuation force and shortened travel distance for enhanced speed in gaming scenarios. While the Melodic offers a buttery and crunchy typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro provides a creamy and polished feel. 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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, it is apparent that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting. This means that both the Melodic and the V3 Silver Pro will provide similar sound profiles and aesthetics when it comes to their top housing material.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Melodic uses nylon while the V3 Silver Pro also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches will provide a unique typing experience with their nylon bottom housings, creating a distinct sound that sets them apart from switches with different bottom housing materials.
It is important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials of each switch are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that despite both switches having similar top housing materials, the unique bottom housing material of each switch will provide a slightly different typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Melodic clicky switch has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Melodic switch is unknown, while the V3 Silver Pro requires 40 grams. This means that the V3 Silver Pro would offer a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Melodic switch may provide a more substantial typing feel due to its higher bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Melodic switch has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Silver Pro. The Melodic switch may provide a more substantial feeling when typing due to the extra 0.7 mm of travel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switch offers a slightly shorter and potentially quicker keypress due to its 3.3 mm travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and responsiveness. Both switches provide quality performance, but the Melodic switch offers a longer travel distance for those who prefer a deeper keypress while the V3 Silver Pro provides a slightly faster response time with its shorter travel distance.
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 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 Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, providing a higher-pitched and clean sound profile that immerses users in a sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, catering to those who prefer a crisper and sharper tone over a more bassy one. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that can add to the overall typing or gaming satisfaction for users, depending on individual preferences and setup.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. This creates a typing sensation that is seamless, effortless, and immersive. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is easy-to-press, featuring a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, it offers a creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing experience that enhances the overall smoothness and comfort of typing.
In conclusion, although the Gateron Melodic clicky and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches have different sound profiles and tactile experiences, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Melodic clicky switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, while the V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched sound and a variety of feel descriptors like easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and the overall typing or gaming experience desired.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, you should take into account your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you prefer a switch with medium bottom out force, a resonant or crunchy sound profile, and a buttery or invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with light bottom out force, a high-pitched sound profile, and an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, or silky feel, then the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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