Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Zuoce Lavender mechanical keyboard switches, both stand out for their unique features and characteristics. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is praised for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, offering a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a distinct poppy and clacky sound. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature right out of the box, making each keystroke a joy. While the Cream Black Pro is categorized as creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, and polished, the Lavender switch is described as easy-to-press and clacky. 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
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Zuoce Lavender, we can see that they both offer unique sound profiles. The V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, perfect for those looking for a more defined typing experience. In contrast, the Lavender's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, which may appeal to those who prefer a softer typing sound. While both materials have their own advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding which sound profile suits your typing style best.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the V3 Cream Black Pro features a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that some users may prefer. On the other hand, the Lavender's POM bottom housing offers a similar deep sound profile but with a more muted quality. While both materials deliver a pleasant typing experience, the nylon housing may provide a slightly more robust sound compared to the POM housing.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Zuoce Lavender differ, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate and nylon housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro create a sharper and crisper sound, while the POM housing of the Lavender offers a deeper and more muted sound. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more defined typing experience or a softer, more subdued sound. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Zuoce Lavender linear switch which has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Black Pro requires 65 grams while the Lavender only needs 53 grams. The V3 Cream Black Pro provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out force, while the Lavender offers a lighter touch with its medium-light forces. Those who prefer a heavier push may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro for a more satisfying typing experience, while individuals looking for a lighter keystroke may opt for the Zuoce Lavender. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm compared to the Lavender's 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant to most users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Lavender switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, if a quicker and more responsive feel is desired, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, providing a satisfying typing experience for users with different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offers a high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, providing a distinct auditory feedback for each keystroke. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound, delivering a crisp and bright sound profile that is percussive in nature. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the V3 Cream Black Pro offering a poppy and clacky sound, while the Lavender switch provides a satisfyingly clacky tone.
Moving on to feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its creamy and bouncy typing experience, offering smooth and buttery key presses with a spring-like feedback that adds a lively feel to each keystroke. Additionally, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as snappy and polished, providing a responsive and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender switch offers an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate the keys and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the V3 Cream Black Pro emphasizing smoothness and bounce, while the Lavender switch prioritizes low-impact and effortless typing.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Cream Black Pro switch stands out for its high-pitched and sharp sound profile, along with its creamy and bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch excels in providing a clacky and percussive sound, coupled with an easy-to-press and low-impact typing feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, both switches offer a satisfying and high-quality typing experience that can cater to different needs and preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, whether one chooses the V3 Cream Black Pro or the Zuoce Lavender switch, a smooth, responsive, and enjoyable typing experience can be achieved.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider your preferences for typing force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing force and enjoy a high-pitched and creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing force and enjoy a clacky sound with an easy-to-press feel, the Zuoce Lavender switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to prioritize what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
