Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When debating between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Akko V3 Silver Pro stand out as exemplary linear options. The Silent Ink Black is favored for its muted and polished typing experience, perfect for quiet environments. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers seeking a smooth and responsive keypress, with a satisfyingly bassy sound. The Akko V3 Silver Pro boasts easy-to-press keys with a creamy and feathery feel, while the Silent Ink Black offers a silky bottom-out sensation. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, while the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, crisper sound profile. While both provide a high-pitched sound, the materials used give them slightly different characteristics in terms of tone and resonance. The use of polycarbonate in the V3 Silver Pro also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
In terms of bottom housing, the Silent Ink Black utilizes its proprietary INK blend material, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in material stiffness between the two bottom housings contributes to the overall typing experience, with the nylon housing absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound compared to the INK blend material. This contrast in sound profiles adds diversity to the switches' auditory feedback.
When considering how the top and bottom housings of a switch interact, it becomes evident that they play distinct roles in contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings highlights the importance of choosing the right material for each part of the switch to achieve the desired sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch show significant differences in weight. The Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the V3 Silver Pro, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Silent Ink Black with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style, but these differences in weight offer distinct advantages for different users.
Travel distance
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, making it the longer option compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3mm. The Silent Ink Black offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preference, with the Silent Ink Black offering a longer travel distance for those who enjoy a more tactile experience, while the V3 Silver Pro appeals to those looking for quicker key presses. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to individual preferences for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, making it a great choice for quieter environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a high-pitched sound that provides a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, individuals may prefer the softer, quieter sound of the Silent Ink Black or the more sharp and defined sound of the V3 Silver Pro.
In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, characterized by smooth key presses and a refined finish. This switch provides a cushiony bottom-out feel that minimizes resistance, leading to a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switch boasts a creamy and feathery feel, featuring a light actuation force that requires minimal effort to press keys. This results in reduced finger fatigue and a smooth, buttery typing sensation that enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. While the Silent Ink Black offers a muted sound profile and a silky typing experience, ideal for quieter environments and those who prefer a cushiony feel, the V3 Silver Pro provides a high-pitched sound and a creamy, easy-to-press feel that caters specifically to gamers and individuals looking for a light and responsive typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, so selecting between them would result in different but equally satisfying results based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider the environment and your specific typing needs. If you require a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a muted sound profile, the Silent Ink Black would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking a light actuation force, shortened travel distance, and enjoy a high-pitched sound profile, the Akko V3 Silver Pro may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as typing comfort, sound preference, and intended usage to ensure an optimal typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
