Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two compelling options in the realm of tactile switches are the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Jwick Taro. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its robust tactile bump that adds a lively dimension to each keystroke, paired with a bassier sound profile that provides an engaging auditory feedback—making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation and prefer a louder typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Taro offers a more subdued yet equally satisfying experience, distinguished by its snappy medium-level tactility and crisp, acute sounds that deliver a buttery smooth typing rhythm—perfect for users who appreciate a quieter environment without sacrificing feedback. While both switches cater to tactile enthusiasts, they do so in distinctly different manners, ensuring you have options based on your preferences for sound and feel. 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
N/A
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Jwick Taro share notable similarities in their housing materials, both featuring polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a distinctly crisp sound profile. The polycarbonate's inherent stiffness creates a sharper and more resonant auditory experience, providing clarity and definition to keystrokes. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who wish to highlight RGB lighting through clear switch housings; both switches leverage this translucent quality to enhance visual effects. As a result, users can expect a similar performance in terms of sound and aesthetics, fostering a vibrant lighting display that complements the auditory experience.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Jwick Taro utilize nylon, establishing a clear distinction in sound quality. Nylon is known for its softer plastic properties, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound when typing. This characteristic complements the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top, creating a balanced auditory profile. Users can anticipate a plush bottoming-out sound and sensation, which contrasts with the crispness from the top. Since both switches blend the qualities of different materials, the overall acoustic experience is a harmonious mix of clarity and depth, thus ensuring they stand out in their category.
The interplay between the housing materials in both switches highlights the importance of combining different plastic types to enhance user experience. While users can expect similar results in terms of the overall sound profile offered by the polycarbonate top, the nylon bottom will uniquely influence the bottom-out experience and key release sound. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Jwick Taro, therefore, exemplify how thoughtful material choices can lead to different yet complementary auditory experiences, allowing typists to enjoy the benefits of both sharper and deeper tones during keyboard use.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, significant differences in weight can affect user experience during typing or gaming sessions. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a notably lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier on the fingers and ideal for prolonged use. In contrast, the Jwick Taro has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, though its actuation force is not specified. This suggests that the Taro switch requires a more substantial effort to engage, appealing to those who prefer a more significant tactile feedback and a stronger push. Thus, for users who favor a lighter switch for comfort over long durations, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice, while those who enjoy a firmer feel may gravitate towards the heavier Jwick Taro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the differences are quite noticeable. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Taro features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a shorter and more responsive keypress, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quick reaction times. In contrast, the Taro's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel, which some users prefer for a deeper, more tactile experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, making the choice largely dependent on whether one values quick responsiveness or a more profound typing sensation.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches produce a loud auditory signature that leans towards a bassier pitch, contributing to a robust and attention-grabbing typing experience. This volume and depth add to the satisfaction for those who appreciate a more resounding keypress. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switches offer a distinctly different auditory character, characterized by acute and crisp clacking sounds. This sound profile provides a sharp and clear feedback that can appeal to users who prefer a cleaner, less boisterous auditory experience. Individual preferences will ultimately dictate which sound one may prefer, as the acoustic qualities can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers an invigorating experience, with a pronounced tactile bump that ensures a firm and responsive keypress. Its polished finish allows for smooth key travel with reduced friction, while the bouncy nature provides a spring-like rebound that enhances the typing experience. Additionally, the accented tactile feedback strikes a balance, delivering a medium level of tactility that's engaging without being overwhelming. Conversely, the Taro switches present a more subdued feel, with a buttery smoothness that allows for a fluid typing experience. The stepped tactile sensation offers a mild feedback, with noticeable stages during the keypress, which may satisfy those who enjoy a softer tactile response. The different tactile characteristics lend themselves to varied typing experiences and can cater to distinct user preferences.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Jwick Taro switches offer contrasting auditory and tactile experiences. The former is celebrated for its loud, bass-heavy sound and invigorating, polished feel, while the latter is known for its crisp, acute sound and smooth, stepped tactile sensation. Ultimately, both options present unique qualities that could appeal to different users, and the choice will largely come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Jwick Taro tactile switches ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. If you favor a lighter touch with a pronounced tactile bump and enjoy a bassy, loud typing experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be ideal for you. Its polished and invigorating feel, combined with a bouncy response, makes it perfect for those who appreciate a more engaging and lively interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued, medium-heavy actuation with a smooth and buttery feel, the Taro switches are better suited for you. They offer a cozy experience characterized by crisp sounds and a snappy tactile sensation that feels somewhat stepped, providing just enough feedback without being overpowering. Therefore, consider what you value most in your typing experience: vibrancy and engagement with the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, or smoothness and subtlety with the Jwick Taro.
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