Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can vastly affect both typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, known for its invigorating tactile bump and a bass-heavy sound signature, offers a satisfying feedback that many typists and gamers crave. Its pronounced tactile feel makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy the sensation of a physical nudge during key presses. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes hall effect technology, providing a cleaner and quieter typing experience, distinguished by its compatibility with Wooting keyboards. This switch caters to users looking for a smooth keystroke with minimal noise, making it perfect for quieter environments or those who prefer a subtler key feel. Each switch presents unique advantages based on user preference, yet feeling the difference personally can often be the deciding factor. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Neo Lavender HE illustrate distinct characteristics that shape their sound profiles. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer properties enhance the clarity and resonance of the actuation sound, making it particularly effective in showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, a material celebrated for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted acoustic experience, which contrasts sharply with the vividness offered by polycarbonate.
When examining the bottom housings, both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Neo Lavender HE adopt nylon material for this component. The use of nylon in the bottom housing brings a consistent musical quality to both switches, as it contributes a richer, deeper sound profile that carries through regardless of the differences seen in their top housings. Thus, the bottom-out sound and feel in both models echo this deeper resonance, making them more similar in this regard. This shared bottom housing material ensures a harmonious typing experience, where users can expect a satisfying thump during key presses.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials contribute to a pronounced difference in the auditory experience when letting go of a key between the two switches. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's polycarbonate top enhances brightness and crispness, the Neo Lavender HE's nylon top offers a smoother and more subdued sound. However, because both models incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, users can achieve a degree of auditory similarity during key presses. Therefore, despite the variation in top housing materials, enthusiasts may find that elements of sound and feel converge around the consistent nylon base, creating a unique interplay between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch to the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation forces, although both share the same bottom out force of 50 grams. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which can be advantageous for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Lavender HE requires a heavier actuation force of 40 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users prefer for tactile feedback. Despite the similarities in bottom out force, the differences in actuation force mean that users will experience varying levels of resistance when pressing the keys, with the Creamy Purple Pro feeling lighter and more responsive, while the Lavender HE offers a heftier push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, a distinct difference emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shallower option that caters to those who appreciate rapid response times, particularly beneficial for gamers. In contrast, the Lavender HE has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and depth when actuating a key. Therefore, if quicker responsiveness is your priority, the shorter 3 mm travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the preferred choice, while the Lavender HE's longer 3.8 mm travel distance might better suit those who favor a more substantial feel when typing.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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 V3 Creamy Purple Pro produces a notably loud sound signature with a bass-heavy pitch, making it quite prominent during typing sessions. This can be appealing for those who enjoy auditory feedback and a pronounced click with each keystroke. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE offers a clean, low sound that stands out for its subtlety, especially when used with Wooting keyboards. The difference in sound profile between these two switches means that those who prefer a more resounding auditory experience may lean towards the Creamy Purple Pro, while those seeking quieter usage and minimal distractions might favor the Lavender HE.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a substantial and invigorating tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback during typing, making it ideal for those who value a strong tactile response. Users can expect a pronounced sensation at the actuation point, which often enhances typing accuracy and fluidity. On the other hand, the Lavender HE offers a different tactile sensation, characteristic of hall effect switches, which can provide a smoother transition across the travel and a consistent feel. However, the specific tactile response may vary for individual users, making the experience subjective.
In summary, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Neo Lavender HE differ significantly in both sound and feel. The former offers a loud, bass-rich sound and a strong tactile bump, while the latter presents a quieter, cleaner sound paired with a smooth actuation experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences in auditory feedback and tactile response. If you cherish a pronounced auditory sensation, the Creamy Purple Pro will suit you well, but if you desire a more subdued yet still effective typing experience, the Lavender HE is an excellent alternative.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for tactile feel and acoustics. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a deeper, more resonant sound while you type or game, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is likely the better fit for you. Its light actuation of 50 grams means you can type with less effort, making it ideal for a lively and engaging typing experience, especially if you like the satisfying feedback of a tactile switch. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter and cleaner experience, the Neo Lavender HE is where you should lean. With its smooth feel and low sound profile, combined with its compatibility with Wooting keyboards, it’s perfect for environments where you want to minimize noise while still enjoying the benefits of a light actuation. Ultimately, consider your environment and personal typing style to determine which switch aligns better with your needs—the lively and tactile Creamy Purple Pros or the smooth and discreet Lavender HEs.
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