Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro is renowned for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black is designed for quieter environments, offering a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While the V3 Piano Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Polished', 'Resonant', and 'Silky', the Silent Ink Black is categorized as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Depending on whether you prioritize a tactile and engaging typing experience or a silent and smooth one, you may lean towards one switch over the other. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black exhibit different sound profiles due to their unique properties. The V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile characterized by a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing, producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both housing materials absorb sound to some extent, the nylon of the V3 Piano Pro absorbs more sound than the harder plastics used in the Silent Ink Black, creating a distinct difference in sound.
Despite the differences in sound profile, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black share the commonality of using housing materials that impact the overall typing experience. The softer nylon material in the V3 Piano Pro offers a unique tactile feedback, providing a more muted sound that is deeper and fuller. Conversely, the proprietary INK blend in the Silent Ink Black offers a higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, contributing to a more satisfying thin and higher-pitched typing experience. Both housing materials are designed to enhance the typing feel and acoustics of the switches, catering to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housings on switch performance, it is important to note that each housing material contributes differently to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, the choice of nylon or proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in defining the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches. By understanding how each housing material affects the typing experience, users can better appreciate the nuances in sound and feel offered by these switches.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Piano Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams, compared to the Silent Ink Black at 60 grams. The V3 Piano Pro also has a lighter bottom out force at 55 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has a heavier bottom out force at 70 grams. This means that the V3 Piano Pro offers a lighter and more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for extended use periods or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial feel with a heavier actuation and bottom out force, suiting those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter typing feel, the V3 Piano Pro would be the ideal choice, while those seeking a heavier and more tactile typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Silent Ink Black.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Piano Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. This difference may result in a quicker response time for the V3 Piano Pro, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may offer a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance depends on individual preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offers a clacky and resonant typing experience, characterized by sharp, crisp, and higher-pitched sound profiles. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted typing experience, minimizing noise for quieter environments. Depending on your preference for sound, the V3 Piano Pro will give you a livelier and more percussive feedback, while the Silent Ink Black will offer a softer and quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer silky and polished typing experiences. The V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like rebound and a smooth, buttery sensation while typing. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Overall, both switches prioritize a smooth and seamless typing feel, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a livelier, crisper sound with snappy feedback, the V3 Piano Pro switch is the way to go. However, if you value a quieter typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel, the Silent Ink Black switch is the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort in typing, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a lively and crisp typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch with its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing environment with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider your priorities and choose the switch that best fits your needs for a satisfying typing experience.
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