Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, a linear switch, with the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, a tactile switch, several key differences come to light. The V3 Crystal Pro is renowned for its fully polycarbonate construction, offering a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Sakuras are praised for their snappy response and decadently buttery downstroke, striking a delicate balance of tactility that is pronounced yet not overpowering. While the V3 Crystal Pro is bouncy and polished, the Purple Sakura is described as buttery, mild, neutral, and snappy. Each switch offers unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences; 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
48g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, while both keyboards share this feature, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as its softer composition absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite both keyboards utilizing polycarbonate in their top housing, the choice of housing material for the bottom differs between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura. The V3 Crystal Pro sticks with polycarbonate for the bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura opts for a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard, with polycarbonate offering a sharper tone and nylon providing a more muffled and rounded sound.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes apparent that the qualities of each material are felt differently. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This distinction highlights the importance of selecting the right housing materials for each component of a keyboard to achieve the desired sound profile and typing experience. Whether opting for the sharper sound of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housing like the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, or combining it with the deeper tones of nylon in the Purple Sakura, it is essential to consider how each material contributes to the overall user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, it is clear that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 60 grams. However, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Akko V3 Crystal Pro will provide a lighter touch for typing, which may be preferable for those who type for extended periods or engage in gaming marathons. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offers a slightly stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of actuation force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Purple Sakura has a shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Crystal Pro. The shorter travel distance of the Purple Sakura may appeal to those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch is known for its bright and chirpy sound signature, giving it a unique acoustic quality that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offers a more mild and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments whether at home or in the office. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Crystal Pro offering a more vibrant sound and the Purple Sakura providing a subdued and versatile option.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch is described as bouncy and polished, offering a lively typing experience with smooth key travel. In contrast, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura switch is characterized as buttery, mild, and snappy, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation with a gentle touch. Despite their differences in feel, both switches offer a comfortable and responsive typing experience, making them suitable for extended periods of use. Whether you prefer a springy bounce or a smooth keypress, both switches cater to various typing styles and preferences.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The Crystal Pro stands out for its bright and chirpy sound, along with a bouncy and polished feel, while the Purple Sakura offers a more neutral sound profile and a buttery, mild, and snappy feel. Whether you prefer a vibrant sound with a lively typing experience or a subdued sound with a smooth and gentle keystroke, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on their characteristics. If you prefer a bright and chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, then the V3 Crystal Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a snappy response and a decadently buttery downstroke, along with a mild and neutral sound signature, the Purple Sakura would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sound characteristics like chirpy or neutral, and feel attributes such as bouncy and polished versus buttery and snappy. Happy typing!
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