SP-Star Ayara vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Ayara and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Ayara switch is a linear switch that provides a medium heftiness, making it ideal for those who prefer a sturdy typing experience. With a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a delightful typing experience. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Lavender Purple Pro switch is perfect for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Two-stage
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to bottom-out and release sounds. However, the Ayara has a nylon top housing, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing. This difference in material will result in a noticeable variance in sound profiles; the Ayara will produce a duller and rounder sound due to the softer nylon, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro will offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound thanks to the stiffer polycarbonate material.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is their top housing material. The Ayara's nylon top housing provides a softer typing experience, absorbing more sound and creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing results in a clearer and resonant sound profile due to its stiffer nature. Additionally, the clear nature of the polycarbonate material allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. While both switches have a similar nylon bottom housing, the choice of top housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Overall, the differences in top housing material between the SP-Star Ayara and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro lead to distinct typing experiences. The Ayara's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound profile, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar depth and fullness in sound between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and aesthetics, with the nylon and polycarbonate materials offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch both have medium actuation forces: None grams for the Ayara and 45 grams for the Lavender Purple Pro. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches, with the Ayara being heavier at 62 grams compared to the Lavender Purple Pro at 55 grams, making the Ayara switch the heavier of the two. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lavender Purple Pro may be more suitable due to its lower bottom out force. On the other hand, the Ayara switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with lighter switches being ideal for longer typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch is slightly longer at 4mm compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch at 3.8mm. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, the Ayara offers a bit more depth to the keystroke. Gamers looking for a faster response time may lean towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro with its slightly shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Ayara to be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience one is looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a clacky sound when pressed, which is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile, creating a sharp and crisp sound that may appeal to those who prefer a more distinct auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the Ayara leans towards a more versatile sound profile compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as having a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers an accented tactile bump that is not overwhelming yet still provides a noticeable amount of tactility. Additionally, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized as bouncy and snappy, giving users a lively and responsive typing experience. While both switches offer different tactile profiles, the Ayara's polished feel contrasts with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's bounciness and snappiness, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch each offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a neutral sound with a polished feel from the Ayara or a higher-pitched sound with bouncy and snappy feedback from the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, both switches provide unique typing experiences that can elevate your keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, with both options offering a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, we recommend the SP-Star Ayara linear switch with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams. On the other hand, if you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile, satisfying tactile bump, and a delightful typing experience, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between the Ayara and V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches depends on your typing preferences and desired sound and feel characteristics.
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