Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Akko V3 Piano Pro stand out as excellent options for enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience. The Crystal Violet is a tactile switch renowned for its light operating force of 45g, providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a gentle and comfortable feel. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro offers a linear switch with a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, creating a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Crystal Violet is praised for its creamy and low-pitched sound profile, the Piano Pro is noted for its bouncy and clacky resonance. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
ABS
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Crystal Violet and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both utilize different housing materials for their switches. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is relatively rare for switch housings but is known to produce a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Piano Pro opts for a nylon top housing, a classic material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. While both materials have distinct sound profiles, the ABS housing of the Crystal Violet may result in a crisper and sharper sound compared to the rounder and duller sound of the nylon housing in the Piano Pro.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Crystal Violet and the V3 Piano Pro continue to showcase the differences in their material choices. The Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS bottom housing, similar to its top housing, resulting in a low-pitched sound profile when typing. Conversely, the Piano Pro features a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's absorption properties. This difference in bottom housing materials further highlights the distinct sound characteristics that each switch offers, with the ABS housing providing a potentially crisper sound compared to the more rounded sound of the nylon housing.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of the ABS top and bottom housings in the Crystal Violet may result in a unique typing experience with a balance of crispness and low-pitched sound, while the nylon top and bottom housing in the Piano Pro offer a fuller and rounder sound profile with a softer feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force and bottom out force. Both the Crystal Violet and the V3 Piano Pro have an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making them medium-light switches. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of force required for keystrokes and bottoming out on both switches. The choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience rather than differences in actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. The Crystal Violet offers a more traditional travel distance, while the V3 Piano Pro provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the V3 Piano Pro for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Crystal Violet with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, so choosing between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Crystal Violet has an MSRP of $7.08 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crystal Violet for $4.19.
The Akko V3 Piano 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 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a soothing auditory experience that is not disruptive. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is described as clacky and resonant, giving off a sharp and lively sound that adds a unique crispness to each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the mellow tones of the Crystal Violet or the energetic sound of the V3 Piano Pro switches to enhance their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Crystal Violet switch is known for its creamy and mild attributes, delivering a smooth and gentle typing sensation with a stepped tactile feedback. Conversely, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is characterized as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, providing a spring-like response with a buttery smoothness and refined finish for an enhanced typing experience. Whether users prefer a more subdued typing feel with the Crystal Violet or a more elastic bounce with the V3 Piano Pro, both switches cater to different tactile preferences for a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Crystal Violet provides a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the V3 Piano Pro delivers a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke with its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation. Ultimately, users can choose between these two switches based on their individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a relaxed and gently tactile typing experience with a mellow sound profile, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch would be an ideal choice for you. The Crystal Violet offers a creamy and mild typing experience that is perfect for those seeking a smooth and buttery feel with a low-pitched sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy and lively sound signature with a smooth actuation, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch would be the better option for you. The V3 Piano Pro switches provide a bouncy and polished typing experience with a clacky and resonant sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Crystal Violet and V3 Piano Pro switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Consider your typing style and the type of sound and feel you prefer when making your decision between these two switches.
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