Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing experience. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch renowned for its pronounced tactile bump and bass-heavy sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more engaging and feedback-rich typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro offers a linear switch experience characterized by a fully polycarbonate construction that results in a bright, chirpy sound and a smooth typing feel. While the Creamy Purple Pro may appeal to users who prefer tactile feedback and pronounced sound, the Crystal Pro is perfect for users seeking a quieter and more fluid typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, it becomes clear that they share a similarity in their top housing, both employing polycarbonate. This commonality results in a sharper and crisper sound profile across both switches, thanks to the inherent properties of polycarbonate as a stiffer plastic. The translucency of this material not only enhances aesthetics but also complements the RGB lighting features, allowing for a more dynamic and visually engaging keyboard experience. Thus, users can expect a similar auditory clarity and resonance when using either switch, primarily influenced by the polycarbonate top housing.
However, the differences in bottom housing material between the two models are significant. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which lends a deeper and fuller sound profile that stands in contrast to the V3 Crystal Pro’s polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon’s softer composition tends to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a more subdued, rounded auditory experience, whereas the polycarbonate bottom amplifies the high frequencies, producing a sharper sound. This divergence means that the overall sound characteristics of the two switches will differ based on the unique qualities contributed by the bottom housing materials.
In practical terms, this dual material approach produces a combined effect that highlights the strengths of both types of plastics. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro, with its nylon bottom, will deliver a rounded sound when bottoming out, while the V3 Crystal Pro, with its all-polycarbonate makeup, will provide a crisper feel and sound across the board. When pressing the keys, users can expect to experience the impact of the bottom housing prominently, while the top housing will play a crucial role in the release sound. Thus, while both switches exhibit a similar trait from their polycarbonate tops, they ultimately create distinct typing experiences due to their differing bottom housings.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch exhibit distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces, influencing their overall typing experience. The Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Crystal Pro has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial push feel and enhanced tactile feedback. Consequently, while the Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for users looking for a lighter touch, the Crystal Pro caters to those who appreciate a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces define the switches' suitability for varying preferences—lighter for comfort and longer use, darker for a more pronounced feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch exhibit differing travel distances that cater to different user preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, which aligns with the trend towards shorter distances favored by gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. As such, if one is looking for a switch that allows for quicker actuation and responsiveness, the Creamy Purple Pro would be the ideal choice due to its shorter distance. Conversely, if a more pronounced depth and engaged keystroke is desired, the Crystal Pro's longer travel distance would be more suitable. Therefore, the shorter option is the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while the longer option is the Akko V3 Crystal Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Creamy 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 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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 V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized by a loud, bass-heavy acoustic profile that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This depth can create a more robust typing experience, especially in environments where sound is appreciated or desired. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is known for its bright, chirpy sound signature, marked by a slight squeak that adds a unique character to the typing experience. This distinction in sound highlights how the materials used in the construction of each switch can greatly influence their acoustic properties, making it a consideration for users who value auditory feedback in their typing.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a pronounced tactile bump, providing a clear point of resistance when pressed, which can enhance typing accuracy and give users a tangible sense of progress with each keystroke. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro excels with a bouncy and polished feel, giving a spring-like feedback and a smooth, refined typing experience. This elegant design allows for reduced friction and seamless key travel, promoting a sense of fluidity during use. The tactile and linear distinctions in these switches cater to different preferences, with some users gravitating toward tactile sensations while others might favor the smoothness of linear action.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches offer notably different sound and feel qualities that cater to varying user preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for those who appreciate a robust tactile sensation coupled with a rich auditory experience, while the Crystal Pro appeals to users seeking a smooth, chirpy sound and a bouncy, polished typing touch. Both switches provide unique attributes that influence the overall typing experience, and the choice between them ultimately depends on the individual’s preferred interaction with their mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback when typing, along with a deeper and more resonant sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice, particularly with its lighter 50-gram actuation force. This makes it a great option for those who appreciate a tactile bump while still maintaining a light typing experience, ideal for typists who prioritize feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother, more polished typing experience with a higher actuation force of 60 grams, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a delightful bouncy feel that can enhance your typing dynamics, paired with a bright and chirpy sound signature. This switch is suited for users who prefer linear switches with an emphasis on smoothness and minimal resistance, excellent for gamers or those who type rapidly. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you value tactile feedback or smooth linear action, as both switches bring their unique profiles to enhance your keyboard experience.
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