Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Everglide Tourmaline Blue provide two distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by its pronounced tactile bump and a bass-heavy sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy the feedback and auditory satisfaction of a robust typing experience. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch known for its deep, thocky sound, and bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring, providing a smooth and enjoyable keystroke that's both accessible and fun. While the Creamy Purple Pro appeals to tactile enthusiasts who thrive on feedback, the Tourmaline Blue caters to users seeking a buttery-smooth and mild keypress. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your unique typing style.
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue feature distinct housing materials that provide varied sound profiles and tactile experiences during use. Both switches incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, with its stiffness and translucency, enables both switches to project vibrant RGB lighting effectively, allowing for aesthetic customization that highlights the internal components. As such, users can expect a clear and resonant sound when pressing these switches, thanks to the similar acoustic properties shared by both models in the top housing.
However, the differences become apparent with the choice of bottom housing. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its softer characteristics that produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This combination allows the switch to create a more rounded, cushioned experience when bottoming out. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue opts for polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, resulting in a similar crispness lacking the depth offered by nylon. Consequently, while both switches will deliver some level of clarity, the overall sound experience during bottoming out will differ, with the V3 leaning towards a softer, richer tone and the Tourmaline Blue maintaining a sharper tone throughout its entire range.
Ultimately, the differing bottom housing materials between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue affect the overall sound characteristics users will experience. Those who appreciate a fuller and rounder sound may lean toward the nylon-housed V3, while those looking for a consistently sharp and clear sound may prefer the Tourmaline Blue, which maintains the same sound aesthetics throughout. With both switches benefiting from polycarbonate in their top housing, users will similarly enjoy the responsive and vibrant acoustics during key press releases, but the final auditory outcome upon bottoming out will remain distinct due to the choice of lower housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch with its actuation force of 30 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, we see a notable disparity in weight. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is significantly lighter, making it ideal for those who prefer less resistance for longer typing sessions or extended gaming, providing a more comfortable experience. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a heavier feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer the tactile feedback that comes with a stronger push. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces clearly illustrate that those seeking a lighter option should gravitate towards the Creamy Purple Pro, while the heavier Tourmaline Blue will cater to users who favor more resistance for keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Tourmaline Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer of the two. The shorter travel of the V3 may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation, while the deeper 4 mm travel of the Tourmaline Blue caters to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience. In essence, if you're inclined toward a more responsive feel, the Akko switch will likely suit your needs better, while the Everglide switch offers a traditional depth that some users might find more satisfying.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 profile of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by a loud output with a bassier pitch that provides an invigorating auditory experience while typing. This switch is designed to be attention-grabbing, making it suitable for those who enjoy a pronounced click when typing. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile, known for immersing users in a satisfying typing experience as well. The contrasting acoustics of these switches highlight their distinct personalities; while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro appeals to those who favor a bold auditory presence, the Tourmaline Blue delivers a rounded and rich sound that is enjoyable yet more subdued.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a large tactile bump, delivering a significant tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience by affirming each keystroke. In comparison, the Tourmaline Blue excels in offering a buttery smooth feel, characterized by its seamless and effortless actuation. The Tourmaline Blue also boasts an easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate, which makes it particularly comfortable for prolonged use. This gives it a mild response that balances elegance and approachability, appealing to a wide range of users. While the tactile feedback of the Creamy Purple Pro may be more pronounced, the gentle and responsive nature of the Tourmaline Blue provides a different yet fulfilling experience.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Creamy Purple Pro stands out for those who desire a loud, tactile experience, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a smooth and responsive feel with a satisfying sound. Deciding between them ultimately comes down to whether you prefer an invigorating tactile feel or a more understated yet enjoyable typing experience. Both switches can provide satisfying outcomes, yet they will resonate differently according to your individual typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and usage context. If you enjoy a lighter touch and appreciate a pronounced tactile bump, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice, especially for typists who favor a more engaging feedback and an audible response with each keystroke. This switch's bassy sound profile can make for a vibrant typing experience, ideal for those who like their keyboard noises to add character. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation and a buttery smooth feel, the Tourmaline Blue is likely to suit you better. With its deep, thocky sound and more substantial bottom-out force, this switch balances responsiveness with a rich sensory experience, making it great for users who enjoy a firm key feel and a mild noise level suitable for various environments, be it home or office. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value the tactile feedback and lighter touch of the Creamy Purple Pro or the balanced, smooth, and heavier experience offered by the Tourmaline Blue—both of which bring unique qualities to your typing repertoire.
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