Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to compare and contrast are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, both tactile switches with their own unique characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Brown stands out for its budget-friendly nature while maintaining quality, providing a gentle tactile bump that enhances typing without disrupting the flow. The frosted light diffuser ensures vibrant RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch offers a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro boasts a higher-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, snappy tactile bump, creating a delightful typing experience. While the G Pro Brown may appeal to those seeking an easy-to-press and mild switch, the Lavender Purple V3 is suited for those looking for an accented and polished typing feel. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. With both switches sharing this housing material, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual effects when using them.
However, where these switches differ is in their choice of bottom housing material. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. Similarly, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, providing users with a consistent typing experience characterized by a deeper sound profile. While the top housing may influence the sound upon key release, it is the bottom housing that plays a significant role in determining the overall impact and feel of pressing down on the switch.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offer a unique sound experience due to their choice of housing materials. While the polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and clear sound profile, the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the overall typing experience. By combining these materials strategically, each switch is able to deliver a balanced and nuanced sound that caters to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with a sharper pitch or a deeper tone with a fuller sound, both switches offer a distinctive typing experience that showcases the impact of housing materials on sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Brown also has a higher bottom out force of 63 grams, whereas the V3 Lavender Purple Pro bottoms out at 55 grams, indicating that the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires more force to fully press down. Both switches fall under the medium category, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro leaning towards the lighter side. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for longer typing sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown. The difference of 0.2 mm may not be significant to some users, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Those who prefer a quicker response time may lean towards the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, while those who prefer a bit more depth in the key press may opt for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and will provide a similar typing experience overall.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a medium-high pitch with a satisfying auditory feedback that adds joy to typing sessions, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched sound profile that contributes to a delightful typing experience. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are characterized as easy-to-press, mild, and stepped. These qualities provide a gentle resistance during key presses, require minimal force to activate, offer a responsive and low-impact typing feel, and provide a subtle two-stage tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These switches offer a medium amount of tactility, provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, are highly responsive, and have a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gateron switches provide a medium-high pitch sound and easy-to-press, mild, and stepped feel, while the Akko switches offer a higher-pitched sound profile and accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts, and the choice between them will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound pitch and tactile feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more stable typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown with 63 grams may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force for a smoother typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro with 55 grams might be the more suitable choice. Additionally, if you enjoy a subtle tactile bump and medium-high pitch, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is designed to enhance your typing flow and auditory experience. However, if you prefer a more accented tactile feel with a bouncy and snappy response that is polished for smooth key travel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro could provide a more lively typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
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