Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear types can significantly influence your typing experience, and two excellent contenders in this field are the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its pronounced tactile bump, delivering an invigorating feedback sensation with each keystroke, and it is characterized by a loud, bassy sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a unique blend of innovation with its whisper-quiet topping-out sound, complemented by a clacky bottom-out that adds a satisfying auditory element without the full volume of traditional switches. This linear option is praised for its silky smooth feel, providing a subdued typing experience that many users find comfortable and efficient. While the Creamy Purple Pro caters to those seeking tactile engagement and a more pronounced acoustic profile, the Semi-Silent Linear is an excellent choice for users who prioritize smoothness and a quieter operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, both switches share a commonality in their top and bottom housings. Both utilize polycarbonate for the upper portion, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness as a plastic material. This quality allows for a clearer and more resonant auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate means that both switches will perform well in setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the light can shine through effectively without obstruction. Therefore, users can expect a similar sound signature from both switches, enhancing the overall typing experience, particularly when visual aesthetics are also a consideration.
On the other hand, the bottom housings for each switch are made of nylon, which contrasts with the upper housing's polycarbonate. Nylon is well-known for its acoustic properties, allowing it to absorb sound effectively and produce a deeper, fuller audio profile. This characteristic results in a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound compared to the sharpness brought by the polycarbonate. When typing on either switch, the impact of the nylon bottom housing will be prominent during key presses, creating a pleasant contrast to the higher-pitched sound produced by the top housing. This combination of materials contributes to a balanced experience, as the tactile sensation and sound of bottoming out differ significantly from the sound produced on release.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches provides a harmonious interaction between the two materials, allowing each to shine in its respective role. While both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share similar top housing characteristics, they benefit from the distinct sound profile created by their nylon bottoms. This synergy results in an engaging typing experience that incorporates both the crispness of the polycarbonate top housing and the fullness of the nylon bottom housing, making them viable options for key switch enthusiasts looking for aesthetically pleasing and acoustically rich experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are notable differences in their 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 a great choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium resistance that may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Thus, while the Akko switch is lighter overall, the Jwick switch provides more resistance at the bottom, suiting different user preferences for tactile feedback and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro a shorter option, appealing to gamers or users who prefer a more responsive keypress and quicker actuation. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users appreciate for its depth during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: those seeking a snappier response might favor the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, whereas those who enjoy the sensation of a deeper keypress might opt for the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 is characterized by a loud, inviting sound signature that has a bassier pitch, making it a standout for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. This switch emits a pronounced noise that could be better suited for personal use or in environments where sound is less of a concern. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a more subdued sound profile, with a noticeably quiet top-out but a clacky bottom-out sound, making it versatile for both professional settings and casual use. The semi-silent nature of this switch means it can be appreciated in quieter environments while still providing satisfactory auditory feedback, though it isn't entirely silent.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a large tactile bump, which delivers a satisfying response when pressed. This tactile feedback makes it ideal for users who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch takes on a slew of subtle characteristics: it feels mild, which offers a gentle typing experience; snappy, making it responsive; buttery, resulting in a smooth keystroke; and polished, ensuring reduced friction and smooth travel. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro leans heavily into the tactile experience, the Semi-Silent Linear balances smoothness with moderate feedback, catering to a broader range of typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro excels in providing an invigorating tactile and loud auditory experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch shines with its versatile sound profile and multifaceted feel that encompasses mildness, responsiveness, buttery smoothness, and a polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prefers a more tactile and audibly pronounced feedback or a smoother, quieter typing experience that still maintains pleasant sound dynamics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that offers a pronounced bump during each keystroke and don't mind a louder typing experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be your go-to option. Its lighter actuation force makes it great for those who prefer quick, responsive typing, especially if you're using it for gaming or tasks that benefit from agile text input. However, if you find yourself in quieter environments or you prioritize a smoother, more subdued typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be suitable for you. Its medium actuation force provides a nice balance, and its semi-silent design ensures that your typing won't disturb those around you, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only the acoustics and feel you seek but also the contexts in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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