Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Zuoce Lavender mechanical keyboard switches are both popular choices for different reasons. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its tactile feedback and distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, making it a great option for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender is known for its exceptional smoothness and crisp clacky sound, providing a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Zuoce Lavender, a striking difference can be found in their top housings. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Lavender features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how the choice of material can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users of these keyboards.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Lavender feature unique properties in this area. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to the softer nature of the plastic which absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Lavender's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound, aligning with its top housing's characteristics. Despite the differences in material, both keyboards offer a similarly pleasing typing experience with their respective bottom housing materials enhancing the overall sound profile of the switches.
When considering the overall impact of housing materials on keyboard sound and feel, it's important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Lavender showcase how different combinations of top and bottom housing materials can create unique typing experiences. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. In comparison, the Lavender's POM top and bottom housings work in harmony to produce a consistently deep and muted sound throughout the typing process. Ultimately, both keyboards offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, we find that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Lavender's 48 grams. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Lavender's 53 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of force required for actuation and bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those seeking a slightly more substantial feel may opt for the Zuoce Lavender. Ultimately, both switches offer a balanced typing experience that caters to different preferences, ensuring users can find a switch that suits their typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, with the Lavender switch being slightly longer. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. However, some users may find shorter travel distances to feel abrupt, preferring switches with a deeper travel distance for a more satisfying keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in keypress feel.
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 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 Blue Pro switch is characterized by its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that complements its creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch stands out for its crisp and clacky sound signature, making each keystroke a satisfying experience with its sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, with the Cream Blue Pro being more poppy and the Lavender being more crisp.
In terms of feel, the Cream Blue Pro switch is known for its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming yet still prominent. This switch offers a spring-like rebound and a smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall feel of typing on a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Lavender switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable and low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Cream Blue Pro offers a more tactile and bouncy feel, the Lavender provides a smoother and easier typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and Zuoce Lavender switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a lively and tactile feedback with its poppy sound profile and prominent tactile sensation, while the Lavender stands out for its smoothness and ease of typing with its gentle resistance and crisp sound signature. Depending on your preference for a more tactile or smoother typing experience, both switches offer quality options within the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a lively and tactile typing experience with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch with its proprietary Ly blend would be the ideal option. Ultimately, selecting the right switch depends on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what suits your needs best.
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