Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can greatly influence your typing experience, particularly when comparing options like the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Neo Lavender HE. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that stands out for its delightful poppy and clacky sound, making it a fantastic choice for users who enjoy a lively auditory feedback along with a satisfying tactile sensation. In addition to its engaging acoustics, this switch offers a smooth typing experience, categorized as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, making it a great fit for those who value both sound and feel in their keyboard. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE, classified as a hall effect switch, features a clean and low sound profile that caters to users seeking a quieter, more subdued typing experience. It is compatible with Wooting keyboards and distinguishes itself with its magnetic technology, appealing to those who prioritize precision and understated performance. Both switches present unique advantages depending on personal preferences; the Cream Blue Pro is suitable for those who thrive on auditory feedback, while the Lavender HE is ideal for quieter environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Neo Lavender HE exhibit distinct differences in their respective top housings, contributing to their unique sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances the switch’s tonal qualities by rendering a sharper and crisper sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate leads to a more resonant sound, especially beneficial when utilizing RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant backlighting effects. In contrast, the Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a warmer sound profile. Nylon absorbs more sound due to its softer composition, generating a deeper and fuller auditory experience, although with less clarity than polycarbonate.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, which provides a consistent auditory experience in terms of depth and fullness. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Lavender HE ensures that the bottom-out sound is characterized by a soft, dull thud, resulting from the material's sound-absorbing qualities. This similarity means that while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key, the sensation of bottoming out and the accompanying sound will feel and sound quite similar across both switches, thanks to the shared nylon material.
Ultimately, the contrasting housing materials between the two switches create a rich tapestry of sonic diversity in their performance. With the V3 Cream Blue Pro delivering snappy, bright responses due to its polycarbonate top and the Lavender HE embodying a mellow, rounded sound through its nylon top, users can choose based on their audio preference for typing or gaming. However, both switches harmonize in sound quality through their nylon bottom housings, making them suitable for users who appreciate a more subdued bottom-out experience while still retaining distinct characteristics based on their top housings.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which positions it in the medium-light range. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Lavender HE the lighter option overall. For users who prefer a softer typing experience that allows for longer sessions with reduced finger fatigue, the Lavender HE might be the better choice. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing may gravitate towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro's slightly heavier forces. While both switches have different weight characteristics, they each offer unique typing experiences tailored to user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there is a distinct difference: the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Lavender HE measures 3.8 mm. This indicates that the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a shorter travel distance, making it a preferable choice for gamers who prioritize responsiveness and quick action. On the other hand, the Lavender HE's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced and deeper keystroke, providing a hearty tactile feedback. Therefore, if you prefer a quicker and more immediate feel when typing or gaming, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the better option, whereas the Lavender HE caters to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 profiles of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Neo Lavender HE switches, they present two markedly different auditory experiences. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is best known for its poppy and clacky sound, delivering a lively and pronounced auditory feedback that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts find engaging. This distinctive sound quality is often praised for enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Lavender HE produces a clean, low sound that is less intrusive and more subdued. This difference means that if you're seeking an audible typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro will meet those expectations, while the Lavender HE will cater to those who prefer a quieter operation.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro excels with its balanced characteristics. It is specifically noted for being accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, creating a tactile experience that is prominent yet not overwhelming. The bounciness of the switch provides a spring-like feedback, which enhances the overall engagement with each keystroke. This is contrasted with the Neo Lavender HE, whose feel qualities remain unknown. Without definitive information on the Lavender HE's tactile qualities, it is unclear how it compares directly to the Cream Blue Pro.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a vivid sound profile and a pleasant tactile feel that caters to those seeking an engaging typing experience. The Neo Lavender HE, while possessing a quieter sound, has unknown tactile characteristics, making it difficult to assess its overall performance in comparison. Ultimately, your choice would depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile sensation, or a more muted sound profile.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you find joy in a pronounced tactile feedback coupled with a lively auditory experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is an excellent choice. With its delightful clacky sound profile and a medium-light force of 55 grams, it’s particularly well-suited for typists or gamers who enjoy a bit of character in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and quieter typing experience, the Neo Lavender HE switch may suit you better. With a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a more subdued sound and a smooth feel, making it an ideal option for those who favor a clean, low-profile environment, or for gamers who desire responsiveness without an excessive auditory distraction. Thus, consider your typing style, the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard, and whether you lean towards an energetic or a more relaxed vibe when deciding between these two compelling options.
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