Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro's linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown's tactile switch, it's essential to consider your preferences for sound, feel, and budget. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 is a go-to option for those looking for a budget-friendly switch that offers a poppy, clacky sound and a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro Brown provides a gentle tactile bump that won't disrupt your typing flow, along with a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting. Both switches are easy to press, but the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro leans more towards a bouncy and snappy feel, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a mild and stepped tactile 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
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, one can see that they both feature polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown sticks to a polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs sound differently, creating a duller and rounder sound.
The difference in material for the bottom housing between the two switches leads to a variance in sound profile. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro with nylon bottom housing will provide a more muffled and deep sound when typing, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown with a polycarbonate bottom housing will produce a clearer, sharper sound. This split in housing materials affects the overall typing experience of each switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing mainly influencing the sound when releasing a key.
While the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown share similar polycarbonate top housing, the use of different materials for the bottom housing results in distinct sound profiles. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a crisper and clearer sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preferences in terms of the sound and feel they provide during typing.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, we find that the actuation force of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is lighter at 50 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown at 55 grams. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro also has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range for actuation and bottom out force, providing a well-balanced typing experience. Users who prefer a lighter keypress may lean towards the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might opt for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the difference in actuation and bottom out force between these switches offers users the flexibility to choose based on their individual preferences for typing and gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown which has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown's longer travel distance may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more profound key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy, clacky sound that adds vibrancy to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch provides a medium-high pitch sound that enhances the auditory feedback without being too overwhelming. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can complement your typing style and preferences depending on the keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities contribute to a smooth and responsive tactile feel that reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is easy-to-press, mild, and stepped, offering a gentle bump without being too pronounced, making it approachable for a wide range of users. The tactile feedback of the G Pro Brown switch is carefully crafted to provide a comfortable typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offer unique sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a poppy and clacky sound paired with a creamy tactile feel or a medium-high pitch sound with a subtle tactile sensation, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience. Depending on your desired sound and feel preferences, you can achieve similar results with these switches by customizing your keyboard setup to optimize their performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a creamy tactile feel with a poppy sound and a smooth keystroke, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile sensation with a subtle bump and a medium-high pitch sound, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or both in your mechanical keyboard switches. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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