Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between tactile and linear switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, a tactile switch, is lauded for its pronounced tactile bump, providing users with a satisfying physical feedback during each keystroke. Its loud sound signature, characterized by deeper bass tones, adds an auditory layer to the typing experience, making it an appealing option for those who relish a more interactive feel. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch offers a distinctly different typing experience as a linear switch, celebrated for its bright and clacky sound profile paired with a smooth, light touch actuation. This makes the Salt Ice a great choice for users seeking a lively and responsive typing experience without the tactile resistance. Both switches cater to different preferences; while the Creamy Purple Pro emphasizes feedback and sound, the Salt Ice prioritizes effortless performance and playful acoustics. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice provide a fascinating contrast in sound profiles and user experiences, stemming from their composition. Both switches feature polycarbonate in the top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of this relatively stiffer plastic in both models enhances clarity and resonance, making them ideal for those who enjoy RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. By utilizing polycarbonate, both switches can achieve similar vibrant aesthetic qualities when paired with RGB lighting, drawing out the visual appeal as well as the auditory experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges significantly. While the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro employs nylon for its bottom housing, promoting a deeper, fuller sound due to its absorption characteristics, the Jerrzi Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate, which maintains a similar sharpness and clarity as the top housing. The nylon in the V3 Creamy Purple Pro dampens sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory feedback and a different typing experience compared to the Salt Ice. Consequently, users who prefer a softer, more muted sound profile would likely favor the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, while those drawn to a clear and resonant experience would be inclined towards the Salt Ice.
Overall, the combination of materials in each switch significantly influences their auditory outputs and tactile feel. The differences become evident during usage; while both switch models share a similar sound profile due to polycarbonate in their tops, the divergent bottom housings contribute to varied overall experiences. By pressing down on the switches, the nylon of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro softens the experience, while the polycarbonate of the Salt Ice maintains a more consistent clarity throughout. Therefore, while the top housings deliver some similarities, the overall acoustic experience is distinctly influenced by the bottom housing material, ultimately catering to different preferences among users.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch present a noteworthy contrast in actuation force. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, which is particularly advantageous for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, requiring more force to actuate, which some users might prefer for a more substantial typing feel. However, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch is unknown, making it difficult to compare the total keypress experience fully. Overall, if you enjoy a lighter switch with less fatigue over time, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be more suitable, while those preferring a stronger tactile engagement would benefit from the heavier Salt Ice switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we find notable differences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, whereas the Jerrzi Salt Ice features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference can greatly affect typing experience and responsiveness; the shorter travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the Salt Ice switch might provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Akko switch is the better option, while the Jerrzi switch could cater to those who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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
The sound signature of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by a loud and robust sound profile, with a pronounced pitch leaning towards the bassier side. This gives it a deep, resonant quality that provides an engaging auditory experience during typing. Conversely, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky sound, which contributes to a lively atmosphere as you type. It’s likely that both switches will deliver an audible feedback that enhances the overall typing experience, although they will appeal to different preferences; the Creamy Purple Pro’s bass-heavy tone contrasts with the Salt Ice’s sharp and vibrant clacks. However, the ultimate sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a pronounced tactile bump that adds significant feedback during key presses, allowing typists to easily discern when a key has been actuated. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and enjoyment for those who prefer a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers a smooth, effortless actuation without the tactile bump, making it highly responsive and ideal for rapid typing or gaming sessions. Users seeking a gentle yet engaging typing experience may gravitate towards the Salt Ice, while those who appreciate a more tactile and defined feedback will find the Creamy Purple Pro appealing.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switches and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro provides a deeper audio signature accompanied by a pronounced tactile feedback, while the Salt Ice excels with its bright clacky sound and smooth key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a tactile experience with a bass-heavy sound or a lighter, more vibrant typing feeling.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile experience with a noticeable bump and a more substantial sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is likely the better fit for you. It’s designed to provide feedback that can enhance your typing accuracy and satisfaction, especially if you appreciate the satisfying “thump” of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and rapid keystroke with an energetic feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is an excellent option. Its lightweight actuation and bright, clacky sound make it perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced gaming or typing with minimal resistance. Ultimately, consider what you value more in your keyboard experience: the tactile feedback and auditory richness of the Creamy Purple Pro or the light touch and vibrant characteristics of the Salt Ice. Each switch offers a unique experience that can cater to different preferences.
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