Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko Penguin offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences and environments. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is known for its pronounced and invigorating tactile bump, accompanied by a loud, bassy sound profile that can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy audible feedback with each keystroke. This switch is perfect for users who want to immerse themselves in the tactile feel of their typing, making it an excellent option for gaming or writing where sound is part of the experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switches represent a shift towards quieter, more subtle tactile feedback, featuring a rounded bump that delivers satisfaction without the accompanying noise—making them ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise minimization is crucial. With their medium weight, the Penguins provide a comfortable typing experience suitable for extensive use without causing fatigue. Both switches have unique attributes that make them appealing; 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
43g
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
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko Penguin showcase distinct approaches to their switch housing materials, which significantly impact the overall sound profile and aesthetic characteristics. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly effective when RGB lighting is utilized. In contrast, the Penguin opts for a nylon top housing, a more traditional choice that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer consistency of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. As a result, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is better suited for users seeking a lively soundscape, while the Penguin caters to those who prefer a warmer and more muted acoustic environment.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, an interesting similarity arises—both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Penguin utilize nylon for their bottom housing components. This alignment means that both switches share the characteristic sound profile associated with nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and tactile feel is significant; therefore, despite the divergence in top housing materials, users can expect a consistent nylon-induced auditory richness from both models upon key presses. This shared element helps bridge the gap between the switches, allowing typists to enjoy a similar undercurrent of sound quality even when the top housing characteristics diverge significantly.
Overall, the combination of materials used in each switch's construction results in distinctive sonic profiles that cater to different user preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a brighter and more resonant typing experience thanks to its polycarbonate top housing, appealing to those who appreciate the sharp clarity and RGB compatibility. On the other hand, the Penguin's nylon top housing provides a softer and more mellow sound, presenting a comfortable and rounded typing experience. Though both switches utilize nylon for their bottoms, which harmonizes the overall acoustics, the unique interplay between their top materials ultimately shapes the final auditory landscape each switch offers. This comparison illustrates how thoughtfully chosen materials can influence the tactile and auditory satisfaction of typing experiences, allowing users to select a switch that best aligns with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, notable differences in weight can influence user experience significantly. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Penguin switch requires a medium actuation force of 43 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push, giving a sense of solidity. Consequently, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option while the Penguin is heavier, offering distinctly different tactile experiences based on user preferences in typing pressure.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, while the Penguin offers a longer travel distance of 3.3 mm. With a travel distance of 3 mm, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a more responsive feel, making it a suitable choice for gamers who favor quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Penguin’s 3.3 mm travel distance offers a deeper and potentially more satisfying keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a more tactile feedback and depth in their switches. Ultimately, users can expect a more immediate response from the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while the Penguin delivers a more pronounced typing experience due to its longer travel distance.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 tactile switch is notable for its loud sound signature, characterized by a bassier pitch that gives it a more robust audio presence when typing. This sound can be quite invigorating for users who enjoy auditory feedback but may be less suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. In stark contrast, the Akko Penguin switch is designed to be significantly quieter, featuring a muted sound profile that minimizes the typical audio thock of mechanical keyboards. This makes the Penguin an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where you want to keep noise to a minimum, allowing for a more discreet typing experience.
When it comes to the feel, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is recognized for its large, invigorating tactile bump, providing a pronounced feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a more engaged keystroke. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch offers a polished and mildly tactile experience, marked by a smooth key travel that is refined, reducing friction for a comfortable typing journey. The Penguin switch is particularly approachable, providing a gentle typing feel that caters to a wide range of users, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko Penguin tactile switches cater to different user preferences. While the Creamy Purple Pro excels in providing a loud and engaging auditory and tactile experience, the Penguin prioritizes quiet operation and a comfortable, polished feel. Users seeking a more pronounced typing feedback and sound might gravitate towards the Creamy Purple Pro, whereas those who work in noise-sensitive settings or prefer a smoother, quieter experience would find the Penguin to be ideal. Depending on your preferences and environment, you can choose between these two switches to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Akko Penguin tactile switches ultimately hinges on your specific typing needs and environment. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom-out force (50 grams) and enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback combined with a loud, bass-heavy sound, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be the perfect option for you. This switch excels in scenarios where you relish the auditory and tactile experience of typing, making it ideal for creative work or gaming sessions in quieter settings where sound isn’t a significant concern. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a shared workspace or simply prefer a quieter typing experience, the Akko Penguin is a better choice. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, it provides a rounded tactile bump that is polished and smooth, minimizing noise without sacrificing the satisfying feedback you want from a tactile switch. This makes the Penguin ideal for prolonged typing sessions, ensuring comfort while maintaining a low acoustic profile, suitable for office or collaborative environments. Ultimately, your choice should align with your priorities—enjoying a lively and noticeable switch versus requiring a more subtle and silent typing experience.
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