Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Gateron Type L

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice is often between tactile and linear options, each offering unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The **Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro** is a tactile switch renowned for its pronounced tactile bump and a loud, bassy sound signature, appealing to those who enjoy feedback with each keystroke. This switch provides a more engaging typing experience, ideal for users who appreciate the tactile sensation and auditory feedback that signals a successful press. In contrast, the **Gateron Type L** emerges from the "Project Rehash" initiative as a linear switch characterized by its light actuation force of just 45g to bottom out. This design makes the Type L particularly attractive for those who prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience, perfect for long sessions of typing or gaming where rapid key presses are essential. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro emphasizes feedback and sound, the Gateron Type L focuses on a feather-light touch and subdued 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

Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro Tactile

Gateron Type L Linear

$3.11

$2.10 per 10

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Type L switches both feature distinct sound profiles largely influenced by their top housings, which employ different materials. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the overall auditory experience. The stiffness of this plastic allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, which is particularly advantageous for RGB setups due to the material's translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Type L opts for a nylon top housing, offering a deeper, fuller sound profile that leans towards a duller, more rounded auditory experience. This difference in material highlights a fundamental divergence between the two switches in terms of how they produce sound.

Both switches, however, share nylon as a bottom housing material, which contributes a similar quality to their auditory profiles. The nylon in both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Type L serves to absorb sound, creating a more muted and lower-pitched sound characteristic. This shared material results in a fuller typing experience, as the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when keys are pressed. While the top housings create different sound profiles due to their material composition, the bottom housings complement one another, ensuring that users will notice similarities in sound depth and acoustic richness when typing on either switch.

When considering the overall performance of both switches, it becomes clear that the combination of top and bottom housing materials produces a unique sound and feel for each switch type. The distinct polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro delivers a sharper sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a rounded bottoming experience. Conversely, the Gateron Type L’s nylon top housing creates a softer auditory profile that interplays with its nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper, more immersive typing experience. Ultimately, while the top housings diverge in material and auditory characteristics, the shared nylon bottom enables users to achieve a satisfying and cohesive sound profile across both switches, albeit with different nuances.

Weight

When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch to the Gateron Type L linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro features an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gateron Type L requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 38 grams and has a lower bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more delicate typing experience ideal for extended use, such as typing at work or engaging in long gaming sessions. Conversely, the Gateron Type L, with its heavier actuation force, delivers a more substantial typing feel that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback, albeit it can be less comfortable for prolonged usage. Thus, while both switches are relatively light, the Akko V3 provides a more effortless experience compared to the Gateron's heavier touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, which is on the shallower side, catering to those who prioritize responsiveness and swift key presses, making it an ideal choice for gamers. In contrast, the Gateron Type L boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm, offering a more substantial feel that many users appreciate for a satisfying typing experience. Consequently, if you prefer a snappier response, the Akko switch would be the better option; however, if you enjoy a deeper and more pronounced actuation, the Gateron switch would likely suit your preferences more effectively. Overall, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the shorter switch, whereas the Type L is the longer one, each appealing to different typing styles and user preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out for its loudness and distinctive bassy pitch, making it a switch that can draw attention in a mechanical keyboard setup. This robust auditory experience is typically preferred by those who enjoy a noticeable click and prefer switches that make their presence known in a tactile and auditory environment. In contrast, the Gateron Type L has a much more subdued sound signature, described as neutral, which lends itself to a more understated typing experience. The Type L’s acoustic character is deep and soft, making it suitable for use in shared environments where louder switches might be disruptive. Both switches will produce varying sounds based on the type of board and keycaps used, but fundamentally, those preferring a louder, more pronounced feedback will lean towards the Creamy Purple Pro, while the Type L caters to users who appreciate a quieter, more refined sound.

When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its invigorating tactile bump, providing a satisfying physical feedback that enhances the typing experience. This pronounced tactile feature is likely to keep typists engaged, as they can easily feel the actuation point. In stark contrast, the Gateron Type L is characterized as feathery and easy-to-press, making it exceptional for prolonged use; it requires only 45 grams of force to actuate. This effortless keypress reduces finger fatigue, which can be a significant advantage during long typing sessions, whether for work or play. While the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a more tactile experience, the Type L prioritizes a light touch, appealing to users who prefer a smoother, less strenuous typing action.

In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Gateron Type L switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Creamy Purple Pro delivers a loud and satisfying tactile experience, ideal for users who enjoy pronounced auditory and tactile feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Type L excels in producing a silent, comfortable typing experience with its light actuation. Both switches deliver distinct sensations and sounds, making them suited for different types of users—whether they seek an engaging auditory experience or a smooth, fatigue-free typing journey. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, ensuring that, regardless of the choice made, one can achieve a satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and a loud, bass-heavy sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be an excellent choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate feedback in their key presses, making it ideal for gamers and typists who thrive on the sensation of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Gateron Type L is the way to go. Its subtle sound signature and feathery feel make it a comfortable option for lengthy typing sessions, whether at work or study. Additionally, the Type L's easy-to-press nature minimizes finger fatigue, making it perfect for users who value responsiveness without the physical exertion. In conclusion, your ultimate decision should reflect your typing habits, noise sensitivity, and preference for tactile feedback versus linear smoothness.

Mentioned in this article

Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro Tactile

$3.11

$2.10 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type L Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more