Gateron Quinn vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron Quinn and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and intended use. The Quinn offers a unique tactile experience with its crisp, light tactility and deep, resonant sound profile, making typing a rich and immersive experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers with its smooth linear action, pleasing bassy sound, and quick actuation force, ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios. 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
59g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, one key difference lies in their top housing materials. The Quinn features a nylon top housing which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their own unique qualities, the choice between them ultimately depends on the desired sound experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Quinn and the V3 Silver Pro feature nylon bottom housings. This means that typing on switches from either keyboard will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Both keyboards offer a consistent experience in terms of the bottom housing material, highlighting the importance of this material in contributing to the overall sound and feel of the keyboard switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Quinn and the Akko V3 Silver Pro comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the Quinn's nylon housing may offer a deeper and fuller sound, the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both keyboards showcase the impact of housing materials on sound quality, demonstrating how even a small change in material can result in a distinct typing experience. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a clearer and resonant sound, both keyboards offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Quinn has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the V3 Silver Pro's lighter 40 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Quinn at 67 grams is also heavier than the V3 Silver Pro's 45 grams. This means that the Quinn switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel, while the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter and easier keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may opt for the V3 Silver Pro, while those seeking a more tactile and responsive typing experience may prefer the Quinn. In both cases, the weight of the switches plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience, making it essential to consider personal preferences when choosing between the two.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to some users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may opt for the Quinn with the longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to those who value speed and responsiveness in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 Quinn tactile switch is characterized by a deep and resonant bassy sound profile, adding a rich and immersive auditory experience to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched sound, offering a sharp and crisp auditory feedback. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Quinn emphasizing a bass-heavy tone and the V3 Silver Pro focusing on a sharper and brighter sound. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is known for its snappy and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and refined finish that enhances key travel. It also provides a bouncy and buttery feel, resulting in a responsive and lively typing sensation. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal exertion from the fingers and reducing fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback, with the Quinn showcasing a more tactile and lively feel while the V3 Silver Pro prioritizes light actuation force and comfort.
Overall, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch each have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Quinn offers a bassy and resonant sound profile with a snappy and buttery typing feel, the V3 Silver Pro provides a high-pitched sound and an easy-to-press, feathery sensation. Depending on personal preferences and typing requirements, users can choose between these switches to tailor their typing experience to their liking, knowing that both switches offer quality and performance in different aspects. Ultimately, selecting either switch will result in a satisfying typing experience, albeit with varying sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your priorities in typing experience and usage scenarios. If you value a unique combination of crisp tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, along with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Quinn switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for switches engineered for fast-paced action with light actuation force and shortened travel distance, the V3 Silver Pro switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and the specific typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
