Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between tactile and linear options, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out for its pronounced tactile bump, delivering an invigorating typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy feedback in every keystroke. Additionally, its bassy sound profile contributes to an immersive auditory experience, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who thrive on tactile sensations and sound. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola captures attention not only for its unique glow-in-the-dark feature but also for its smooth, bouncy feel that offers a snappy yet buttery typing experience. This switch is perfect for users who prefer a quieter typing experience with a subtle auditory signature reminiscent of marbles rolling in a can. Both switches have their merits—while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides satisfying tactile feedback, the Gateron Luciola delivers smoothness and visual flair. 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
55g
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
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Luciola utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly impacts their acoustic properties. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing known for creating a sharper, crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, which enhances the quality of auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, producing a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that avoids being overly sharp. While both switches may share a higher-pitched auditory character, the methods by which each achieves this differ, leading to varied experiences in terms of acoustic output and overall feel.
When examining the bottom housings, the differences become even more pronounced. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro uses nylon for its bottom housing, a material celebrated for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing qualities. This creates a softer, rounder sound when the key is actuated and has a significant impact on the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Luciola’s INK blend bottom housing also leans towards a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, which is described as satisfying and clacky. This means that even though both switches provide a clackiness in sound, the V3's nylon bottom will produce a fuller sound, contrasting with the thinner quality of the Luciola's INK blend housing.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches plays a pivotal role in defining their sound profiles. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom, creates a unique auditory experience characterized by a mix of higher-pitched clarity and fuller sound. In comparison, the Gateron Luciola offers a more consistently high-pitched sound across its INK blend top and bottom housings. This distinction means that while users might appreciate clackiness in both switches, the V3 offers a more layered sound experience due to the differing acoustical characteristics of its component materials. Therefore, users looking for a sharper and more resonant sound might favor the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those seeking a uniformly high-pitched auditory response may prefer the Luciola.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable option for users seeking comfort during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some typists might prefer for a satisfying tactile experience. Overall, this means that while the Akko V3 is ideal for those who favor lighter switches for extended use, the Gateron Luciola caters to individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel. Therefore, if users are looking for similar results in terms of actuation or bottom out force, they would need to consider their personal preferences regarding typing experience and comfort in relation to these weights.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there is a notable difference. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Luciola measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Akko switch the shorter option, catering to those who favor quicker responses, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking enhanced performance. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial and pronounced feel during key presses. As shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, the choice ultimately hinges on individual preferences: for responsivity, the Creamy Purple Pro is ideal, whereas the Luciola might be better for those who enjoy greater depth in their typing 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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 delivers a louder sound profile characterized by a bassier pitch, making it stand out as a robust auditory experience. The tactile bump that accompanies each keystroke adds to the overall sound signature, producing a more pronounced feedback on each press. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola produces a distinct sound described as clacky and high-pitched, likened to a crisp snap when activated. This sharpness may appeal to those who prefer a more percussive auditory feel while typing. While both switches create a distinct sound signature, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro leans towards the rich, low-end sounds, while the Luciola favors higher frequencies, ultimately leading to a diverse auditory experience that reflects individual typing styles.
When discussing the feel of the switches, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is marked by its invigorating tactile feedback, characterized by a large bump that enhances the typing experience. The keys offer a moderate to firm actuation force and a lively and bouncy sensation, which can make for an engaging and immersive experience. This is complemented by a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction. Conversely, the Gateron Luciola is categorized as snappy, providing a responsive typing experience that feels alive with each keystroke. While they share a polished quality that enhances smoothness, the Luciola is noted for its buttery feel, allowing for effortless typing, which contrasts with the more pronounced and tactile experience of the Creamy Purple Pro. This difference in the tactile response and feedback may cater to different typing preferences, with the Creamy Purple Pro being more assertive in its tactile nature.
In summary, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Luciola switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Creamy Purple Pro shines with its loud and bassy sound, alongside an invigorating tactile feedback, while the Luciola draws attention with its clacky and high-pitched auditory signature, paired with a smooth and snappy typing experience. Regardless of the switch chosen, the enjoyment derived from the distinctive sound and feel is likely to provide satisfying results, showcasing the individual appeal of each option.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch will largely depend on your specific typing preferences and the sound experience you seek. If you enjoy a lively and tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback, then the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches would be an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a lighter key feel at 50 grams and a deeper, bassier sound signature that can energize your typing sessions. The invigorating and bouncy feel of these switches is particularly suited for those who like a more interactive and immersive typing experience, making them great for casual typing and gaming alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more polished typing experience with a medium heft at 60 grams, the Gateron Luciola switches may be more your speed. They excel in providing a snappy and buttery feel with a visually appealing glow, coupled with a clacky sound profile that is clean and bright. This switch could be perfect if you value a seamless typing experience, perhaps for longer typing tasks or professional use. Ultimately, your personal preferences regarding tactility, sound, and key feel will guide you in making the best choice for your typing experience.
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