Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro's linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple's tactile switch both offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The V3 Crystal Pro stands out with its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple features a prominent tactile bump that delivers an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a snappy sound profile. The Crystal Pro switch is categorized as bouncy, chirpy, and polished, while the Polaris Purple is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can determine which switch is best for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
48g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Purple feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the keyboard. This material's stiffness also contributes to a more resonant sound profile, making typing on these keyboards a satisfying experience. The use of polycarbonate in both housings ensures consistency in sound and feel across the entire keyboard.
While both keyboards share the use of polycarbonate for their housing materials, one key difference lies in the color and design of each model. The V3 Crystal Pro boasts a clear polycarbonate housing, allowing for a sleek and modern look that is perfect for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple features a vibrant purple polycarbonate housing, adding a pop of color to your setup. Despite the aesthetic differences, the sound profile and overall typing experience remain similar due to the shared use of polycarbonate in the housings.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that each contributes differently to the sound and feel of the keyboard. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Fortunately, both the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Purple utilize polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings, ensuring a consistent and satisfying typing experience across the entire keyboard. Whether you prefer a clear or purple housing, both keyboards offer a high-quality build with excellent sound characteristics.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we can see a difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams compared to the Polaris Purple's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Polaris Purple is heavier at 67 grams, while the V3 Crystal Pro has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Polaris Purple offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the V3 Crystal Pro provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy range, so users can expect similar results in terms of feel and performance, with the main distinction being the weight preference for individual typing styles.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Polaris Purple. The difference may seem minimal, but for those who prefer quicker response times, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the better option. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Polaris Purple with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a unique chirpy sound with a little squeak, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch provides a snappy sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound signatures that can add to the overall typing experience, with the V3 Crystal Pro being brighter and the Polaris Purple having a more moderate sound suitable for various purposes.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback when typing. Additionally, it is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users. Like the V3 Crystal Pro, the Polaris Purple is also noted for its polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Crystal Pro may provide a chirpy sound and bouncy feel, the Polaris Purple offers a snappier sound and a gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the type of typing experience one is seeking. Regardless of the choice, both switches are well-designed and offer a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and bright typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump with a snappy sound profile and don't mind a slightly heavier bottom out force, then the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a smooth linear feel or a tactile typing experience with a bit more weight behind each keystroke. Both switches offer their unique characteristics, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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