Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The CAP Anniversary is lauded for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to its innovative CAP structure and aerodynamically designed stem, providing a polished typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a budget-friendly option that delivers a satisfying auditory experience with its poppy, clacky sound and smooth tactile feel. While the CAP Anniversary is described as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the V3 Cream Yellow Pro boasts characteristics such as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and advantages. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro use polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. With both switches sharing the same top housing material, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when it comes to the transparency and overall design of the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches contributes to the overall typing experience by impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the tactile feedback for users.
Overall, while both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro share similarities in their top and bottom housing materials, they may vary in their overall typing experience due to the unique qualities each material brings. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a combination of sharp, high-pitched sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and the deeper, fuller sounds from the nylon bottom housing. Users can expect a balanced typing experience with a mix of crispness and depth in sound, providing a satisfying tactile and auditory feedback while typing on these switches.
Weight
The actuation force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch are both 50 grams, meaning they will both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the CAP Anniversary is 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the V3 Cream Yellow Pro, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the initial typing experience will feel the same on both switches, the CAP Anniversary will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be the better option, as it requires less force to bottom out. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, it is clear that the CAP Anniversary has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The longer travel distance of the CAP Anniversary may provide a more satisfying and substantial keypress feel for those who prefer a deeper actuation. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro could be favored by gamers or typists looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on whether you prefer a shorter or longer keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
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 CAP Anniversary switch is known for providing a smooth and quiet typing experience, with minimal noise on key presses. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch offers a more tactile and audible typing experience, with a satisfying poppy and clacky sound. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, but the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch leans towards a more vibrant and pronounced sound profile.
Moving on to the feel, the CAP Anniversary switch is characterized by a snappy and polished typing experience, offering super responsiveness and a sleek key travel. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. While the CAP Anniversary switch focuses on responsiveness and smoothness, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch prioritizes comfort and low-impact typing feel.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CAP Anniversary switch excels in smoothness and stability, providing a quiet typing experience with snappy responsiveness. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch delivers a more tactile and audible typing experience, emphasizing ease of pressing and gentle resistance. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience with either option. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you value exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble and stability, the CAP Anniversary could be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a budget-friendly option that offers a poppy sound and smooth typing experience, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro may be more appealing. Keep in mind the differences in bottom out force, sound profile, and feel described for each switch to determine which aligns better with your typing style and needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual preferences and priorities when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
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