Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary, a linear switch, and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, stand out for their unique features. The CAP Anniversary switches are celebrated for their exceptionally smooth keystrokes thanks to the innovative CAP structure and aerodynamic stem design. On the other hand, the Lavender Purple V3 switches from Akko offer a delightful tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile for a satisfying typing experience. While the CAP Anniversary is described as 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. Choosing between these switches ultimately 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the difference in the bottom housing material sets them apart. The CAP Anniversary utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Lavender Purple Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deep and full sound experience.
Despite both switches having the same polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, there may be subtle differences in the sound and feel of typing on these switches due to the split qualities of the housing materials. The bottom housing material has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that even with the same materials used in both switches, the overall typing experience may vary slightly depending on how the qualities of each housing material are distributed throughout the switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro share similar qualities in their housing materials, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. This results in a clear, resonant sound profile with a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing. However, the distribution of these housing materials within the switches may affect the overall typing feel and sound, with the bottom housing material influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing material impacting the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with subtle differences in sound and feel due to the split housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the CAP Anniversary requires a heavier touch compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The CAP Anniversary has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that the CAP Anniversary will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier forces required, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro will offer a lighter touch for users who prefer a less strenuous typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Overall, both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the CAP Anniversary being slightly longer than the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. For those who prefer a more responsive and quicker keystroke, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper keystroke may lean towards the Gateron CAP Anniversary with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 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
In terms of sound, the CAP Anniversary linear switch offers a quieter typing experience, thanks to its novel CAP structure designed to reduce excess air and enhance smoothness. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile along with a satisfying tactile bump, contributing to a more audible and tactile typing experience. The sound produced by each switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the CAP Anniversary linear switch is characterized by a snappy and creamy typing experience, offering super responsiveness and smooth key travel. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, on the other hand, provides an accented and bouncy feel with a noticeable tactile bump that is neither too soft nor too pronounced, giving a lively feedback when typing. Both switches possess polished finishes, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction.
Overall, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the CAP Anniversary excels in providing a smooth and stable keystroke with minimal wobble, the Lavender Purple Pro stands out with its higher-pitched sound profile and prominent tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience, with both switches delivering satisfying results based on their unique features.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and value exceptionally smooth keystrokes with minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, a satisfying tactile bump, and a higher-pitched sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience.
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