Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, boasting a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick and effortless keystrokes, accompanied by a pleasing bassy sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is designed with lightning-fast actuation in mind, featuring a thocky sound, smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While the Akko V3 Silver Pro offers an easy-to-press and silky typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie Silver provides a unique blend of features. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13.8mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, one significant difference is in their top housings. The V3 Silver Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that provides a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the V3 Silver Pro leans towards a brighter tone compared to the deeper sound of the POM in the Smoothie Silver.
Moving on to the bottom housings, another point of contrast emerges between the two switches. The V3 Silver Pro incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to the top housing's sharpness. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver also features a POM bottom housing, offering a similar pleasing and unique sound profile to its top housing. Both bottom housings aim to enhance the overall sound and feel of the switch, with nylon and POM contributing their distinct qualities to the typing experience.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the Akko V3 Silver Pro and Gateron Smoothie Silver differ in material composition, they both serve to impact the sound and feel of the switches. The split between the bottom and top housing materials means that each contributes unique qualities to the overall typing experience. Whether it's the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the V3 Silver Pro or the deeper, more muted sound of POM in the Smoothie Silver, both switches offer a distinct auditory and tactile experience for users to enjoy. Despite the differences in housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of enhancing the typing experience with these two unique switches.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we can see a difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Silver Pro has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams. Similarly, the V3 Silver Pro also has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. The V3 Silver Pro provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for prolonged use, while the Smoothie Silver offers a slightly heavier feel for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different weight options to cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose the switch that best suits their needs.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of the shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may opt for the Akko V3 Silver Pro, while those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched and crisp sound profile, providing a sharp and responsive sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch features a thocky sound, offering a unique and satisfying typing experience. Both switches will provide distinct auditory feedback, but the V3 Silver Pro will cater to those who prefer a higher-pitched sound, while the Smoothie Silver will appeal to those looking for a thockier sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers an easy-to-press experience with its low actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, this switch provides a creamy and polished typing sensation, ensuring a smooth and refined keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its feather-light touch, reducing finger fatigue and offering a silky typing feel. Both switches prioritize a comfortable typing experience, with the V3 Silver Pro focusing on ease of pressing and smoothness, while the Smoothie Silver emphasizes lightness and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Silver Pro excels in providing a high-pitched sound profile and an easy-to-press, creamy typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver stands out for its thocky sound and feather-light touch. Depending on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your typing experience, you can choose between these switches to achieve similar results with distinct characteristics that suit your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a premium typing experience tailored to gamers and enthusiasts seeking a top-tier mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a switch specifically engineered for gaming with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, the V3 Silver Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver is the better choice. Consider your typing style, gaming preferences, and desired sound and feel when making your decision between these two exceptional switches.
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