Gateron Beer vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch with the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Beer switch stands out for its translucent green design inspired by a Tsingtao beer bottle, giving it a visually appealing look. It is known for its lightweight feel, stepped tactility, and characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch boasts a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience. While the Beer switch is easy-to-press and offers a subtler tactile feel, the Lavender Purple Pro switch is accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing effect. However, the Beer and the Lavender Purple Pro differ in their bottom housing materials, with the Beer featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing and the Lavender Purple Pro utilizing a nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Lavender Purple Pro elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound profile created by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer.
In terms of overall sound characteristics, the Gateron Beer may produce a more high-pitched and clear sound due to the combination of polycarbonate top and bottom housings. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro may offer a deeper and fuller sound experience with its nylon bottom housing complementing the polycarbonate top housing. The differences in housing materials between the two switches may result in distinct typing experiences, with the Beer potentially providing a sharper keypress feel and sound, while the Lavender Purple Pro offers a rounder and softer typing experience.
Both the Gateron Beer and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro showcase the importance of housing materials in influencing the sound profile of mechanical switches. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings in the Beer and the Lavender Purple Pro, respectively, highlights how the selection of materials can impact the overall sound and feel of a mechanical switch. Ultimately, the housing materials play a key role in shaping the typing experience and sound output of each switch, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Beer is lighter in both aspects. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Beer provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer less resistance while typing for extended periods. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly heavier typing experience, which may be preferred by individuals looking for a more substantial and tactile feel while typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force, as both switches offer unique typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron Beer. Generally, a shorter travel distance can be preferred for faster response times, making it popular among gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch's sound profile is described as higher-pitched but specific descriptors are not available. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is praised for being easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, it features a stepped tactility, providing a mild two-stage tactile experience. Conversely, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. It also offers a bouncy and snappy feel, with a polished finish for smooth key travel.
Overall, while the Gateron Beer and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on your preference for sound profile and tactile feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. If you enjoy a clacky sound and easy-to-press, stepped tactile feel, the Gateron Beer switch may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound, accented medium tactility, and bouncy, snappy feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch could be more appealing. In essence, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a subtle, stepped tactility that offers a unique typing experience with a characteristic clacky sound, then the Gateron Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a combination of accented tactility, bouncy feel, snappy response, and polished finish for a more lively typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, then the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles, so it ultimately depends on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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