Gateron CM vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CM and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The CM switch stands out for its full nylon housing, delivering a rich sound signature and smooth typing experience thanks to its impeccable factory lube job and lengthened, dual-staged spring. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump for a delightful typing experience. While the CM switch is described as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', and 'Thocky', the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches feature nylon top housings, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Gateron CM. The use of polycarbonate in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, which is a unique feature not present in the Gateron CM.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches utilize nylon, providing a similar experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer nature of nylon. This consistency in bottom housing material between the two switches ensures that users will get a similar sound and feel when typing on both switches. However, it's worth noting that the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, so this similarity in bottom housing material may result in comparable typing experiences between the Gateron CM and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
Overall, the choice of housing material in switches, whether nylon or polycarbonate, can significantly impact the sound profile and typing experience. While the Gateron CM's nylon top and bottom housings create a duller and rounder sound, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer and more resonant sound. Both switches have their unique advantages, with the Gateron CM focusing on a softer and more absorbent sound, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro prioritizes a sharper and crisper sound, especially with its clear and RGB-friendly polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and aesthetic features.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite noticeable. The CM has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it more suitable for those seeking a substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In this case, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro can provide a more effortless typing experience compared to the CM. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, the Gateron CM has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for a faster response time. Gamers may particularly appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Gateron CM for its quick key presses, while those who prefer a more tactile feel may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, the CM is known for its bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is not specifically described, so it may not have the same deep and bass-heavy sound as the CM. However, sound can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual preferences may vary.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CM is known for its buttery and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and frictionless keystroke sensation. This is achieved through a combination of factors such as materials used and factory lubrication. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, on the other hand, is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This suggests a tactile switch with a moderate amount of tactility, a lively feel with rebound, high responsiveness, and smooth key travel. While both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, the specific feel can vary based on individual preferences and typing style.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch each offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CM is best known for its deep and rich sound profile, along with a buttery and frictionless typing feel. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched sound and a tactile typing experience with accents of bounciness and snappiness. Depending on personal preference for sound depth and tactile feedback, users can choose between the CM for a smoother typing experience or the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for a more lively and responsive feel. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different keyboards and keycap setups will help determine which one best suits individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider the key aspects of each switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a full nylon housing for a deep sound profile, and a bouncy typing experience, the Gateron CM linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a higher-pitched sound profile, and a satisfying tactile bump for a delightful typing experience, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force when selecting between these two mechanical keyboard switches.
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