Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing and gaming preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie is celebrated for its medium-weight feel, crafted from all-POM materials, and is known for delivering a thocky sound profile combined with exceptional smoothness. This makes it an excellent choice for typists and casual gamers seeking a satisfying tactile experience without sacrificing quality. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is specifically engineered for gamers, featuring a light actuation force and a shortened travel distance that enables rapid keystrokes perfect for competitive play. Its pleasing bassy sound adds to the gaming ambiance, making it a prime candidate for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Both switches have their unique advantages and cater to varying user needs; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made from POM (polyoxymethylene), which is known for producing a deeper, more muted sound. This unique acoustic characteristic can contribute to a more subdued typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a less resonant sound when engaging with their switches. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material, being stiffer, results in a clearer resonance when a key is released, inviting a different auditory experience altogether. Thus, when considering the sound atmosphere created by both switches, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a softer, more muted auditory environment, whereas the Akko V3 Silver Pro provides a brighter and more pronounced sound.
When analyzing the bottom housings, both switches again diverge in material. The Sea Salt Smoothie combines its POM top with a POM bottom housing as well, sustaining the same deeper and muted sound profile throughout. This uniformity in material between the top and bottom housings enhances the overall cohesive sound experience that many users might appreciate. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has a nylon bottom housing which, due to its softer characteristics, tends to absorb more sound. The result is a deeper and rounder acoustic signature that complements the high-pitched notes of the polycarbonate top, creating a rich and layered sound that can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a robust typing experience. Thus, while the Sea Salt Smoothie maintains sound consistency, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the V3 Silver Pro promotes a unique sound blending.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Akko V3 Silver Pro have distinct sound profiles stemming from their differing housing materials, they can be favored based on individual preferences. The Sea Salt Smoothie's more muted and cohesive auditory experience might appeal to those seeking a quieter typing environment, whereas the hybrid combination of the V3 Silver Pro allows for a more diverse auditory experience with varying characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between them could boil down to whether a user prefers a uniform sound profile or a more multifaceted experience that juxtaposes the clarity of polycarbonate with the depth of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, we find notable differences in actuation force but a lack of complete information regarding bottom out force. The Sea Salt Smoothie features an actuation force of 48 grams, making it heavier than the V3 Silver Pro, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, while the V3 Silver Pro has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while the V3 Silver Pro offers a lighter typing experience, allowing for prolonged typing sessions or gaming without fatigue, the Sea Salt Smoothie may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, if a user favors lighter switches, the Akko V3 Silver Pro would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a heavier keystroke may lean towards the Gateron option—although the complete comparison could be more insightful with the bottom out force data for the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for quicker response times, the V3 Silver Pro may be more appealing due to its shorter distance, making it a suitable choice for gamers seeking higher responsiveness. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and less abrupt feel for those who prefer a deeper engagement with their switches. Ultimately, your preference for travel distance will guide your choice between these two options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is characterized by a thocky quality, which appeals to those who prefer a deeper, richer auditory feedback during typing. This contrasts with the Akko V3 Silver Pro, which produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp upon keystroke. Users who favor a distinct, pronounced auditory experience might gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those who appreciate a more airy and bright sound may find the V3 Silver Pro to be more suitable. Keep in mind that the overall sound can vary based on the keyboard assembly and choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie excels in providing a smooth typing experience, but the specific qualities underlying this smoothness have not been detailed. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is designed with several user-friendly characteristics, such as being easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky. This means that the V3 Silver Pro offers a notably responsive and effortless typing experience, promoting comfort and reducing finger fatigue, making it particularly advantageous for extended use. The combination of light actuation force and refined feel makes the V3 Silver Pro appealing for gamers and heavy typists alike.
In conclusion, while both switches have their individual strengths, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a deeper sound profile paired with a smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy tactile feedback. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro delivers a high-pitched sound and an exceptionally responsive, user-friendly experience, making them an excellent choice for competitive gaming and long typing sessions. Ultimately, your preference will depend on whether you prioritize sound character or feel, but both switches promise quality experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a smooth, thocky sound and a refined typing experience for tasks like coding, writing, or general productivity, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent option. Its medium-weight action offers just the right balance of resistance without feeling taxing, making your typing sessions enjoyable and comfortable. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for rapid response and ease of use, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is designed with you in mind. Its light actuation force and shortened travel distance ensure that you can execute commands with minimal effort while enjoying the sharp, high-pitched sound profile. The creamy, polished feel also enhances the gaming experience by reducing finger fatigue during those marathon sessions. In the end, both switches excel in their respective domains: choose the Sea Salt Smoothie for versatility in productivity and a satisfying sound, or go with the V3 Silver Pro for a competitive edge and a feathery touch.
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