Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly affect your typing experience, especially when comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. The Creamy Purple Pro, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump and a loud bassy sound signature, making it an appealing option for users who enjoy feedback and auditory stimulation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch, provides a silky and seamless typing experience, characterized by its clacky, high-pitched sound signature that many enthusiasts and gamers appreciate for its quick response and minimal resistance. While the Creamy Purple Pro might suit those who prefer a more engaging and tactile feedback, the Lightning Silver V3 is ideal for users seeking fluidity and speed without the interruptions of tactile bumps. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 share a commonality in their top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate. This shared material contributes to a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall acoustic feedback when the switches are engaged. Additionally, this translucence of polycarbonate plays a significant role in showcasing RGB lighting, maximizing visual aesthetics for users who want a vibrant keyboard setup. Thus, when it comes to sound and visual appeal, users can expect analogous results from both switches in their top housings.
However, the differences arise with the bottom housing materials. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, providing a stark contrast to the polycarbonate bottom housing found in the Lightning Silver V3. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller yet rounder auditory experience, particularly noticeable when bottoming out the keys. This leads to a more muted sound that can feel smoother and less jarring compared to the sharper, more resonant sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3. Consequently, the feel and sound characteristics of each switch diverge notably due to their respective bottom housing materials.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 perform similarly in terms of their top housing, the distinct materials used for their bottom housings introduce different auditory and tactile experiences. The Creamy Purple Pro presents a richer, fuller sound due to its nylon base, while the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes a clearer and crisper profile from its polycarbonate construction. Therefore, users may prefer one over the other based on their aesthetic preferences and desired auditory experience, particularly when considering the impact of each material on the sound produced during key presses and releases.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there is a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial and forceful typing experience. Therefore, while both switches provide different tactile experiences, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option and is more forgiving for long-term use, whereas the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a firmer resistance, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, the Akko switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Everglide switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Creamy Purple Pro the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel, which can be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial key press experience, ideal for users who appreciate deeper travel and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference—whether one values quick responsiveness or a fuller keystroke experience.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 switch produces a loud sound signature with a notable bassier pitch, delivering a robust auditory experience that is both invigorating and engaging. This contrasts sharply with the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch, which is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound signature. The Lightning Silver V3 generates a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when activated, creating a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that some may find more appealing than the richer tones of the Creamy Purple Pro. The difference in sound profiles between these two switches can significantly influence the overall typing experience, and it’s worth considering your personal preference for sound characteristics when choosing between them.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a prominent tactile bump that enhances the typing experience by providing satisfying feedback on key presses. This tactile response can help typists feel more connected to their input. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is designed to offer a silky and seamless typing experience, minimizing resistance with each key press and release. The exceptionally smooth action allows for rapid and comfortable typing, which may appeal to those who favor a more fluid experience without the pronounced tactile feedback that the Creamy Purple Pro offers. The choice between tactile feedback and smoothness can greatly influence individual typing preferences and overall comfort.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences suitable for different user preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro provides a loud, bassy sound with a strong tactile bump, ideal for those who enjoy pronounced feedback. Conversely, the Lightning Silver V3 presents a clacky, high-pitched sound accompanied by a silky smooth feel, making it well-suited for rapid typing. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, tactile feedback, or smoothness, your decision between these two switches will ultimately shape your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feel with a satisfying bassy sound, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be the perfect fit for you. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams allows for effortless typing, making it a great choice for long typing sessions where comfort and tactile feedback are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, fast-paced gaming experience or a typing feel that's more fluid and without the significant tactile bump, the Lightning Silver V3 would be an excellent option. With its medium 60-gram bottom-out force, it offers a silky, seamless feel and a sharp, high-pitched sound that can energize your setup, especially if you're keen on vibrant RGB illumination. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—whether it be the tactile feedback and sound of the Creamy Purple Pro or the smoothness and snappiness of the Lightning Silver V3—to guide your choice effectively.
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