Everglide Crystal Violet vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, two switches stand out for their unique features and characteristics - the Everglide Crystal Violet, a tactile switch, and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a linear switch. The Crystal Violet is renowned for its light operating force of 45g, offering a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience. With a mellow and low-pitched sound profile, these switches provide a gentle and comfortable feel ideal for those seeking a subtle auditory experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switches from Akko are engineered specifically for gamers, featuring a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for quick and effortless keystrokes. With a pleasing bassy sound and easy-to-press feel, these switches are perfect for gaming scenarios where every millisecond matters. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
ABS
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Everglide Crystal Violet and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, one noticeable difference lies in their housing materials. The Crystal Violet features an ABS top housing, which is known for providing a relatively low-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro boasts a polycarbonate top housing, offering a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The ABS top housing of the Crystal Violet may appeal to those seeking a softer typing experience, while the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Silver Pro caters to those looking for a crisper sound profile.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Crystal Violet and the V3 Silver Pro also diverge in their materials. The Crystal Violet utilizes an ABS bottom housing, similar to its top housing, providing a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to the ABS bottom housing of the Crystal Violet.
When considering the overall sound and feel of these switches, it is important to note how the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role. The qualities of the ABS top and bottom housing in the Crystal Violet will impact the typing experience in terms of sound and feel differently compared to the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing in the V3 Silver Pro. The choice between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a softer, low-pitched sound profile or a sharper, crisper sound when typing.
Weight
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch have differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Crystal Violet has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light in terms of pressure needed to trigger keystrokes and bottom out. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to activate keys and bottom out compared to the Crystal Violet. This makes the V3 Silver Pro the lighter of the two switches, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Crystal Violet provides a slightly heavier typing experience, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option. The Crystal Violet's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro's shorter travel distance may cater to individuals seeking a quicker response time. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the Crystal Violet catering to those who prefer a deeper key press while the V3 Silver Pro caters to those seeking a faster, more responsive experience.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, producing a gentle and mellow tone that is non-intrusive during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers a higher-pitched sound, providing a sharper and crisper auditory experience. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference, with the Crystal Violet switches offering a more relaxed sound, while the V3 Silver Pro switches catering to those who prefer a more distinct and sharp sound while typing. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. Additionally, it offers a mild tactile feedback with a stepped feel, giving users a subtle bump during typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a feathery and polished sensation. This switch aims to reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions by providing a low-impact and responsive typing feel. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Crystal Violet switches focusing on a silky and mild feel, while the V3 Silver Pro switches prioritize ease of pressing and comfort during typing.
In conclusion, the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch each offer unique qualities tailored to different preferences. The Crystal Violet switches excel in providing a relaxed and stepped tactile typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, while the V3 Silver Pro switches are engineered for gamers seeking a light and easy-to-press linear switch with a higher-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. It's important to consider your typing habits, preferences, and intended usage when selecting between the Crystal Violet and V3 Silver Pro switches to ensure an optimal typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Everglide Crystal Violet tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your priorities. If you prioritize a gentle and comfortable typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, opt for the Crystal Violet switches. The mellow, low-pitched sound profile and stepped tactile feel make them ideal for relaxed typing sessions. On the other hand, if you value fast and effortless keystrokes tailored for gaming, the V3 Silver Pro switches with their light actuation force and pleasing bassy sound may be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific preferences and intended use for the keyboard switches.
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