Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and Zuoce Lavender both provide unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is lauded for its budget-friendly option that offers a poppy, clacky sound and smooth tactile feel, providing a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender stands out for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature right out of the box, enhanced by its proprietary Ly blend. While both switches are easy-to-press, the Cream Yellow Pro is categorized as 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', while the Lavender is noted for being '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
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender utilizes a POM top housing, producing a deeper and more muted sound that may appeal to individuals looking for a quieter typing experience. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer material, the Lavender's POM bottom housing similarly contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, providing a consistent typing experience across both switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually striking element to the keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Lavender's POM top housing may not have the same transparency as polycarbonate, but its unique sound profile may be more appealing to users who prioritize a quieter typing experience over visual aesthetics. Additionally, both switches offer a unique sound profile thanks to their respective top and bottom housing materials, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro emphasizing a sharper and crisper sound while the Lavender focuses on a deeper and more muted tone.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Zuoce Lavender ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetic preferences. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing may offer a clearer and more resonant sound, the Lavender's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted typing experience. Similarly, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a fuller sound profile, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them both appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lavender's 48 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro also requires more force at 60 grams, while the Lavender comes in at 53 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, providing a balanced typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Lavender for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a firmer feel may opt for the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for a more substantial typing experience. In general, the choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Lavender has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, so in terms of travel distance, they will provide similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound, creating a vibrant auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its crisp and clacky sound signature, providing a distinctly satisfying typing experience. Both switches deliver an enjoyable sound profile, but the Cream Yellow Pro may have a slightly more pronounced poppy sound compared to the Lavender.
When it comes to feel, both the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Lavender switches are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This provides a comfortable and low-impact typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Cream Yellow Pro is noted for its feathery and bouncy qualities, while the Lavender switch's feel is not specified. Overall, both switches offer a responsive and smooth typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Zuoce Lavender linear switches both offer satisfying sound profiles and easy-to-press feels, they each have their unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro is highlighted for its poppy sound and feathery, bouncy feel, while the Lavender is praised for its smoothness and crisp sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire, but both switches are sure to provide a pleasant mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider the key factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a poppy, clacky sound paired with a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother typing experience right out of the box with a lighter bottom out force and a crisp, clacky sound, the Lavender switch is a solid option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and auditory experience.
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