Gateron Mountain Top vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Akko V3 Silver Pro mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider their intended purposes. The Mountain Top switch is tailored for office environments, offering a quiet yet tactile typing experience ideal for professional settings. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switch is designed with gamers in mind, providing smooth keystrokes with a satisfying sound profile for enhanced gaming performance. While both switches are easy to press, they differ in terms of actuation force and travel distance. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, one can see a clear difference in the sound profile they produce. The Mountain Top's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer plastic makeup which leads to a clearer and resonant sound. This distinction in sound profile can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users of these switches.
While both switches feature nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deep and full sound profile, the difference in their top housing material can still have a significant impact on the overall typing experience. The Mountain Top's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, while the V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing may offer a similar effect. However, the key difference lies in the top housing material, with the Mountain Top featuring nylon and the V3 Silver Pro featuring polycarbonate. This contrast highlights how even small variations in switch housing materials can result in noticeably different sounds and typing feels.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and the Akko V3 Silver Pro may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. While both switches feature nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, the differentiation lies in their top housing material. Whether users prefer the duller and rounder sound of nylon found in the Mountain Top or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the V3 Silver Pro, the decision will ultimately impact their overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 40 grams. However, the Gateron Mountain Top has a slightly higher bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Mountain Top switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottoming out compared to the V3 Silver Pro. The difference in bottom out force may result in a slightly more substantial typing experience with the Gateron Mountain Top switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and the desired level of force required for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, so in terms of key feel and response, you can expect similar results from both. However, if you prefer a switch with a slightly deeper press, the Gateron Mountain Top may be the better option for you. Conversely, if you prefer a more immediate key press, the Akko V3 Silver Pro would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and how you prefer your keys to feel when typing or gaming.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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 Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile, which is moderate and suitable for various usage scenarios. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed, catering more towards individuals who prefer a brighter sound signature. Depending on the choice of keycaps and keyboard board, users can further customize the sound output of these switches to match their preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a range of tactile sensations, including bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle characteristics. These qualities result in a typing experience that is responsive, light, and comfortable, ideal for extended typing sessions in professional environments. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch boasts attributes like easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, delivering a smooth and effortless typing experience. These features are particularly beneficial for gamers who require quick and precise key inputs during gameplay.
Taking into account the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch prioritizes a balanced and discreet approach suitable for office settings, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch focuses on providing a more dynamic and responsive experience tailored for gaming purposes. Depending on individual preferences, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, users can expect comparable results in terms of typing comfort and performance, with the choice between the two switches depending on their specific requirements and usage scenarios.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a switch that is designed for a quiet and professional typing experience, with a light actuation force and a subtle sound profile, the Gateron Mountain Top may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for a switch that offers a satisfying bassy sound, light actuation force, and a smooth, buttery typing experience, the Akko V3 Silver Pro could better suit your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your intended usage and personal preferences.
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