Akko V3 Silver Pro vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience and gameplay. The Akko V3 Silver Pro, a linear switch, is tailored specifically for gamers who thrive on speed and precision. With its light actuation force and shortened travel distance, every keystroke becomes a swift maneuver, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming environments where rapid response times are essential. Its silky-smooth feel and bassy sound further enhance the overall experience, appealing to users who prefer an effortless and engaging typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a different experience with its tactile feedback and rich sound profile. The pronounced tactile bump provides satisfying feedback for typists and casual users alike, while the combination of deep "thock" and quiet "tap" sound brings a unique acoustic pleasure to each keystroke. While the U4Tx excels in creating a luxurious typing experience that blends subtlety and character, the V3 Silver Pro is designed to meet the aggressive demands of gamers. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13.8mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches utilize different materials for their housing, which impacts their acoustic profiles. The V3 Silver Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This allows any RGB lighting to shine through beautifully, enhancing both visual appeal and sound definition. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary blend referred to as "boba plastic" in its top housing, which results in a softer sound profile that is rounder and deeper. While the materials differ, both switches provide distinct acoustic characteristics shaped by the qualities of their top housings, emphasizing the importance of material selection in the overall sound experience.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the V3 Silver Pro and the U4Tx RGB feature softer materials. The V3 Silver Pro utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material that is known for absorbing sound effectively, which contributes to a duller and fuller sound profile. Meanwhile, the U4Tx RGB continues with its proprietary "boba plastic" in the bottom housing, which also promotes a rich and deep sound quality. Consequently, the bottom housings of both switches are designed to deepen and round off the sound, regardless of the top housing’s differing acoustic properties. Hence, while each switch employs different materials in their construction, the sonic depth provided by the softer materials in both bottom housings leads to comparable sound experiences during use.
When considering the overall sound and feel, it’s essential to understand how the interplay of the different materials in the top and bottom housings affects the user experience. The distinct characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Silver Pro contribute to the clarity of the sound upon release, while the softer nylon bottom enhances the bottom-out feel. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB, with its soft top and bottom housing, minimizes sharpness, providing a gentle and rounded typing experience. Ultimately, even though each switch employs different materials that lead to unique sound profiles at certain points of actuation and release, the combination of these materials allows both switches to deliver satisfying auditory results, with the nylon and "boba plastic" housing serving to balance sound richness and depth.
Weight
The Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch present contrasting characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Silver Pro is notably lighter, featuring an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing and gaming sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch does not have a specified actuation force but has a substantial bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating that it provides a more robust tactile feedback during typing. This heavier feel appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced pressing experience. As such, the V3 Silver Pro is the lighter option, while the U4Tx RGB is considered medium-heavy. Users seeking a softer, more fatigue-free interaction may gravitate towards the V3 Silver Pro, whereas those preferring a firmer actuation might opt for the U4Tx RGB experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference; the V3 Silver Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the U4Tx RGB has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive key press, the Akko V3 Silver Pro may be the better choice due to its shorter actuation distance, which can lead to faster response times favored by gamers. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB provides a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel. Thus, your preference for either switch will largely depend on whether you lean towards a quicker, more responsive action or a deeper tactile 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 Gazzew U4Tx RGB comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 switches produce a pleasant, bassy tone during key presses, which is especially appealing for gamers seeking an auditory feedback that resonates with each action. While the U4Tx RGB switches reportedly boast a deep "thock" from bottoming out, combined with a quiet ascent, their sound profile is designed to be refined yet distinctively tactile, creating a contrast to the V3 Silver Pro's more robust sound. This comparison highlights that while both switches create unique auditory experiences, they cater to different preferences — the former emphasizing a rich bass, while the latter prioritizes a more muted, refined quality.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the V3 Silver Pro offers an exceptionally easy-to-press mechanism, combined with a creamy and polished texture that makes each keystroke smooth and almost effortless. This quality is particularly beneficial for gamers and typists who require minimal resistance, allowing for prolonged use without fatigue. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, which provides feedback that enhances the typing experience, although specific descriptors for the feel are not provided. Therefore, the V3 Silver Pro's focus on a light and smooth typing experience may suit those who enjoy a less tactile feel, while the U4Tx RGB will appeal to those who favor pronounced tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Silver Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches present unique qualities that cater to distinct user preferences. The V3 Silver Pro is designed for fluidity and comfort, ideal for gamers who value quick response and smooth actuation, producing a bass-heavy sound. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB excels in providing tactile feedback paired with a refined sound, perfect for typists who appreciate the deep thock of their keystrokes. Depending on whether one prioritizes sound or physical feedback in their typing experience, either switch can be an excellent choice for enhancing your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on your intended use and personal preference. If you're mainly a gamer looking for rapid response times, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is a fantastic option due to its light actuation force of 45 grams and short travel distance. This switch provides a smooth, creamy feel that minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for long gaming sessions where every millisecond counts. Its high-pitched sound adds a crispness to your keystrokes, enhancing your overall gaming experience. On the other hand, if you value a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy resistance, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is likely your best bet. With a 65-gram bottom out force, it delivers a satisfying tactile bump paired with a "thocky" sound profile that can elevate your typing experience to luxurious levels. This switch is perfect for both typists and those who appreciate feedback during their keystrokes. In summary, consider the V3 Silver Pro for speed and ease during gaming, while the U4Tx RGB is suited for a rich and tactile typing experience.
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