Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Quinn both stand out as compelling options for tactile enthusiasts, yet they offer distinctly different experiences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, which gives users a satisfying feedback with every keystroke, complemented by a loud and bass-heavy sound profile that creates an engaging auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switches provide a lighter tactile sensation, yet they are no less captivating, thanks to their unique combination of crisp, snappy feedback and a deep, resonant sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may call out to those who revel in a more robust, pronounced key feel and sound, the Quinn could appeal to users seeking a more polished and immersive soundscape with a cleaner tactile response. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Quinn feature contrasting materials in their top housings, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles and typing experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, and this choice lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity and resonance, especially under the accentuation of RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn employs a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound rather than reflect it, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is noticeably rounder. This fundamental difference in materials shapes the auditory experience of each switch, giving users distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences in keyboard feedback.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Quinn both utilize nylon. This use of nylon in the bottom housing leads to a further reinforcement of the deeper and fuller sound profile when a key is bottomed out. Both switches exhibit muffled acoustics consistent with nylon’s sound absorption properties, offering a rounded and less resonant end experience when keys are fully pressed. This shared characteristic means that, despite the different top housing materials, users might find similarities in how the switches feel and sound at bottoming out, allowing for some consistency in the tactile experience across both models.
In summation, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Quinn differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate and nylon, respectively—their nylon bottom housings ensure a degree of consistency in sound and feel during key presses. The polycarbonate top of the Akko promotes a sharper sound upon release, while the nylon top of the Quinn fosters a fuller sound. However, both bottom housings do have an established sound profile that aligns, providing a unique dichotomy wherein users can expect a nuanced typing experience reflective of their chosen switch, balancing the effects of the varying materials in both the top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces, impacting users' typing experience. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a light actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended periods of use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn features a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to individuals who favor a more substantial and deliberate typing feel. Consequently, users who appreciate a lighter switch will find the V3 Creamy Purple Pro more suitable, while those who seek a stronger resistance will likely prefer the Quinn. This differential in force characteristics is crucial for users to consider when choosing a switch that aligns with their personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance is significant for those who prioritize responsiveness, as the shorter travel of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may provide quicker actuation, making it ideal for gamers who seek rapid key presses. Conversely, users who prefer a more profound typing experience might gravitate towards the Gateron Quinn, as its longer travel distance can lend a more substantial feel to each keystroke. Ultimately, if you're in search of a tactile switch that offers a balance between speed and depth, these differences are key in choosing the right option for your preferences.
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 Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro produces a loud and bass-heavy signature, delivering a deep and rich auditory experience with each keystroke. This switch stands out for its invigorating sound profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn offers a unique blend of tonal qualities. Characterized by a resonant and deep sound, the Quinn switches provide a mix of crispness and a low-pitched bassy resonance, enhancing the auditory experience. Together, these features create a rich, immersive soundscape that can significantly contribute to the enjoyment of typing, though they will ultimately be influenced by the specifics of your keyboard build, including the choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is designed to deliver a tactile bump that is sure to engage users effectively, providing an enjoyable typing experience. However, the specifics of its tactile feedback have not been detailed. Meanwhile, the Gateron Quinn switches excel in this aspect, presenting a snappy, polished, and bouncy feel that gives a lively typing sensation. With their buttery smoothness and accented tactility, the Quinn switches deliver a seamless experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes while maintaining an engaging tactile presence. The contrast in their feels may cater to different preferences, with the V3 focusing on a strong tactile response and the Quinn combining responsiveness with a buttery smoothness.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Quinn tactile switches cater to distinct audio and tactile preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its deep, loud sound with a robust tactile bump, making it suitable for users who enjoy an invigorating auditory experience combined with tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Quinn switches impress with a crisp sound profile and a lively, polished typing feel, creating a balanced experience that highlights both tactility and smooth operation. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you lean towards a louder, more tactile presence or a cleaner, snappier experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Gateron Quinn tactile switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a pronounced tactile bump and don’t mind a louder, bass-oriented sound, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice, especially for those who enjoy a more invigorating typing experience. These switches excel for casual typing and gaming where audible feedback enhances the interaction. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more substantial typing force and appreciate a balance between a crisp tactile feedback and a resonant, immersive auditory experience, the Gateron Quinn switches will serve you well. Their snappy responsiveness and polished feel make them ideal for those who type frequently and seek a smooth yet engaging sensation in each keystroke. In essence, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a lighter touch with a robust sound or a medium-heavy feel with an enriched auditory character.
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