Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a tactile experience and a linear one can greatly influence your typing and gaming performance. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, with its pronounced tactile bump and a bassy sound signature, is perfect for users who enjoy a more dynamic feedback with every keypress, making it an excellent choice for typing enthusiasts who appreciate auditory and tactile cues. Conversely, the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, thanks to its single-stage spring, catering perfectly to gamers and typists seeking a consistent and fluid experience without the distraction of tactile feedback. With its medium-heavy actuation, the Jupiter Red allows for rapid key presses and fluid gameplay, while the Creamy Purple Pro's tactile nature provides satisfying feedback for deliberate typing. Both switches have their unique appeals: if you crave tactile gratification and pronounced sound, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is your go-to; if you prefer a seamless and polished typing feel, the Jupiter Red fits the bill. 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
30g
Actuation force
45g
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
4.00 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
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which significantly influences the auditory characteristics of these switches. The polycarbonate construction results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile praised for its clarity and resonance. This material's rigidity enhances the acoustic response, making each keystroke sound crisp and clear. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, an advantageous feature for those utilizing RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through and illuminate the switch in vibrant colors. Thus, when evaluating the sound quality and illumination practices between these two switches, they demonstrate remarkably similar results due to their shared material at the top housing level.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Jupiter Red are both made from nylon, introducing a different dimension to the overall typing experience. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which aids in producing a deeper and fuller sound as typists hit the keys. The damping effect of nylon absorbs some sound, resulting in a rounder, more subdued audio profile. As each switch’s bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, users can expect a consistent sensation when pressing down on either switch. The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom ensures that while a sharp sound is produced when keys are released, a softer auditory feedback is experienced when the keys are actively pressed.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Jupiter Red differ in their bottom housing materials, their shared polycarbonate top housing leads to comparable performance regarding sound clarity and aesthetic appeal. The contrasting nylon bottom housing of both switches offers a rich, dampened sound, allowing for a satisfying typing experience that balances out the sharper sounds generated above. This interplay of materials means that while there is a distinct division between how they sound and feel during the different phases of a key press, the overall acoustic and tactile performance remains attractively uniform.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch to the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom-out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback. Therefore, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter switch, while the Jupiter Red is the heavier option, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Jupiter Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer of the two. This difference highlights the trend where shorter travel distances, such as that of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, are favored by gamers seeking faster response times, offering a more immediate tactile feedback. Conversely, the Jupiter Red, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, providing a more pronounced typing experience. Therefore, your choice should align with your preference for either responsiveness or a more robust feel.
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 Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro exhibits a loud and bass-heavy sound signature, making it a notable choice for those who enjoy an audible response when typing. This switch's prominent tactile bump enhances the overall auditory experience, likely appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red possesses a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound level. This makes it versatile and suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. While the V3's sound is more assertive, the Jupiter Red provides a quieter and more balanced auditory experience, giving users distinct options based on their preferences.
Regarding feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its large, invigorating tactile bump, making each keystroke feel gratifying and engaging. This switch is designed for those who delight in the sensation of a tactile response, offering a more dynamic typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Jupiter Red is engineered for a smooth, polished feel, providing a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke. With its creamy and silky characteristics, it offers an exceptionally refined experience, making typing feel effortless. In this case, while the V3 emphasizes tactile feedback, the Jupiter Red focuses on providing a consistent and smooth motion, appealing to those who appreciate a more fluid typing experience.
In conclusion, when comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red, the two switches cater to different user preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro offers a pronounced tactile feedback with a loud, bassy sound, making it ideal for those who relish an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Jupiter Red presents a smooth and polished feel with a neutral sound profile, great for users seeking a more understated approach. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a silky, fluid typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback combined with a more audible sound and are looking for a lively typing experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the ideal option. Its light actuation force of 50 grams and prominent tactile bump cater well to enthusiasts who want a more interactive sensation as they type, making it a great choice for both gaming and typing tasks that benefit from such feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience for a more relaxed typing environment or during long hours of work, then the Gateron Jupiter Red should be your go-to. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and a polished, creamy feel, this switch provides a refined and consistent typing experience, perfectly suited for both gamers and typists who favor serenity over tactility. Thus, your final decision should reflect whether you value auditory and tactile engagement or a seamless, smooth typing experience.
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