Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can greatly enhance your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the PH Studio Jacaranda. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch renowned for its large, invigorating tactile bump and a loud, bass-heavy sound signature, making it a great choice for typists who enjoy feedback with each keystroke and appreciate a more traditional, assertive typing experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda is a linear switch that offers a softer touch with a gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, ensuring fatigue-free typing while producing a crisp, clacky sound that adds an engaging auditory element. What sets the Jacaranda apart is its extended 22mm spring, providing a bouncy sensation that elevates the typing experience to a new level. While both switches have their unique appeal—one favoring tactile feedback and pronounced sound, and the other emphasizing smoothness and comfort—they cater to different preferences. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the PH Studio Jacaranda both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which significantly impacts their sound profiles. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound due to its resonance-enhancing properties. This results in a high-pitched auditory feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate, especially when considering the clarity it provides during typing. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for RGB lighting applications. With clear housings, the aesthetic of the switches is enhanced, allowing for vibrant light displays that can elevate the overall experience during use.
In contrast, both switches opt for nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a distinct auditory experience compared to the top housing material. Nylon's inherent properties provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature. This combination with the polycarbonate top results in a balanced sound profile where the sharper high-frequency notes from the top housing blend harmoniously with the more rounded tones from the nylon bottom. The design allows typists to experience a satisfying depth in sound profiles that complements their tactile responses while typing, enhancing the overall feel of the switch.
Despite the differences in material selection between the top and bottom housings, the synergy between polycarbonate and nylon in both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the PH Studio Jacaranda offers a cohesive typing experience. The polycarbonate top provides clarity and brightness to the key presses, while the nylon bottom enriches the sound and feel upon bottoming out. As a result, users can achieve similar auditory experiences across both switches, combined with aesthetic benefits and RGB compatibility. Whether someone prefers the Akko or the Jacaranda, both provide a harmonious blend of properties that cater to both sound quality and visual appeal.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch showcase differing actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences in typing experiences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Jacaranda switch features a heavier actuation force of 39 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while both switches are on the lighter side overall, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is easier to actuate, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance and potentially longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Jacaranda's actuation requires more force, providing a more substantial feel, which some typists might gravitate toward for a more pronounced experience. Ultimately, those who favor a lighter switch may lean toward the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those who appreciate a firmer push may prefer the Jacaranda.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, we find that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Jacaranda switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers or those seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Jacaranda, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience and deeper keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches hinges on personal preference: if you favor nimble and responsive feedback, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be the better option, while if you appreciate a deeper feel, the Jacaranda could be more to your liking.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is known for its loud and bass-heavy audio profile, providing a robust auditory feedback with each keystroke. This deep sound signature can create an immersive typing experience, though it may not be ideal for quieter environments. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a clacky and crisp sound when pressed, notable for its bright and resonant tonal quality. This sharp auditory feedback reflects a more high-pitched profile compared to the Creamy Purple Pro, which can be appealing for users seeking a snappier sound. Both switches present distinct auditory experiences that contribute significantly to the overall satisfaction of typing, with the choice depending on personal sound preferences and the acoustic environment.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's tactile bump provides a pronounced feedback that helps typists distinguish their keystrokes, making it satisfying for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. However, it lacks a specific description of its smoothness or overall touch sensation. Conversely, the Jacaranda switch excels with its silky feel, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys thanks to its low resistance. The Jacaranda’s extended 22mm spring further enhances the typing experience, introducing a bouncy sensation that can reduce fatigue during long typing sessions. This difference emphasizes that while one switch relies on tactile feedback, the other prioritizes smoothness and ease of use.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch provide unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro appeals to users who enjoy pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper sound profile, while the Jacaranda lures those who prioritize a silky touch and a bright auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, and understanding these elements can guide newcomers in selecting the mechanical keyboard that best meets their typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and overall typing experience. If you're someone who enjoys a pronounced tactile bump with a richer, bassy sound signature, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is your go-to switch. It provides a satisfying tactile sensation that many find engaging, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, effortless keystroke with a light touch and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched auditory feedback, the Jacaranda will likely be a better fit for you. Its uniquely bouncy feel, complemented by its crisp sound, enhances the sense of speed and fluidity in each press, which is great for fast typists or gamers who want responsive key actions. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and environment: choose the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for more tactile pleasure and audible feedback, while the Jacaranda suits those who prioritize smoothness and a lighter touch in a more resonant soundscape.
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