Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the distinct characteristics of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Keygeek Keylin stand out, catering to different typing preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro, known for its pronounced tactile bump, offers a satisfying feedback sensation upon actuation, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a tactile experience and a loud, bass-rich sound signature. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate the sensation of each keystroke and enjoy an immersive auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch excels in delivering a premium typing experience characterized by its smoothness and rich acoustics. Linear switches like the Keylin are favored by gamers and typists who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted stroke without any tactile feedback. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to individual preferences: a tactile, engaging experience versus a smooth and silent operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Keygeek Keylin display a notable contrast in their choice of top housing materials, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is both crisper and more resonant. This quality is attributed to the rigidity of polycarbonate, which allows sound waves to bounce off more cleanly. This housing choice is especially beneficial for users who favor RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal of illuminated switches. In contrast, the Keygin's top housing is made of nylon, a softer plastic that tends to absorb sound, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may appeal to those who seek clarity and articulation in typing, the Keylin caters to users looking for a warm and round auditory experience.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Keygeek Keylin feature nylon in their bottom housings, which provides a common ground for users who appreciate the characteristics of this classic material. The nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound profile, ensuring a more robust bottom-out feel that many typists find desirable. This can result in a more pleasant auditory experience, particularly for those who value a softer sound when the key is pressed down. The shared nylon material in both switches contributes to a cohesive feel and consistency in the overall typing experience, albeit with variations introduced by the differing top housings.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials will influence the sound signature and overall feel of each switch, leading to a unique typing experience. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, with its polycarbonate top, will produce a brighter tonal quality, while the Keygeek Keylin’s nylon top will offer a duller and rounder sound. However, since both switches share nylon in their bottom housings, users can expect a similar feel during the bottoming out action, allowing for compatibility in typist preferences despite the dissimilar auditory signatures. This connection ensures that those who appreciate a fuller sound can find satisfaction in either switch, depending on their desired high-end clarity or low-end warmth.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, we can observe notable differences in their 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 easier to type for extended periods and ideal for long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Keylin switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 38 grams, with a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a more substantial push feel. While both switches are considered light overall, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option for actuation, whereas the Keylin, while still relatively light, offers a firmer actuation. This difference may cater to varying preferences; those who favor a lighter switch may find the V3 more comfortable during prolonged use, while users who prefer a bit more resistance might lean towards the Keylin for a more tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option and well-suited for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Keylin switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, allowing for a more substantial depth when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. While both switches cater to different preferences in terms of responsiveness and depth, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a quicker actuation, whereas the Keylin provides a more traditional and potentially satisfying feel during use.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch produces a loud sound signature that leans towards the bassy side, making it quite noticeable during typing sessions. This auditory feedback can enhance the tactile experience for some users, adding an engaging element to each keystroke. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch focuses on delivering rich acoustics with an emphasis on smoothness. While it may not be as loud as the Creamy Purple Pro, the Keylin's sound profile enhances the overall typing experience without being overly distracting. It’s essential to note that the final sound resulting from either switch can vary based on your choice of keyboard, as well as keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by a pronounced tactile bump that offers a satisfying feedback during key presses. This tactile sensation can contribute to a more engaging typing experience, especially for those who prefer feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Keylin switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness, providing a consistent and fluid experience without any tactile interruption. This makes it particularly appealing to typists who favor a more seamless, uninterrupted stroke, akin to that of a traditional linear switch.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Keygeek Keylin switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro excels in delivering a loud sound and a pronounced tactile bump, while the Keylin offers a quieter acoustic profile with a focus on smoothness. Selecting between the two ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound presence or prefer a smooth and quieter typing experience. Either choice will undoubtedly enhance your mechanical keyboard setup, though they cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feel and an audible feedback with a noticeable bump, then the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice for you. Its moderate bottom-out force of 50 grams and bassier sound signature make it ideal for users who appreciate a more engaging typing experience, often preferred by typists and gamers who like to feel and hear their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with an emphasis on fluid transitions between keystrokes, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch would suit you better. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams and a focus on rich acoustics, the Keylin is well-suited for those who prioritize seamless typing and minimal noise, making it a great choice for office environments or late-night gaming sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience, so consider what aspects are most important to you before making your decision.
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