Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The G Pro 3.0 Red is a linear switch known for its smooth typing experience and medium-light actuation force, making it responsive yet effortless to use. With vibrant RGB lighting effects and a satisfying auditory experience, this switch is ideal for those seeking an affordable option without compromising on performance. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that offers a higher-pitched sound profile and a distinct tactile bump, enhancing the typing experience with its accentuated feel. While both switches have their unique benefits, such as the G Pro Red's creamy and polished feel compared to the Lavender Purple Pro's bouncy and snappy characteristics, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
50g
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
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. This material is relatively stiff, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a consistent and quality sound experience for users.
In terms of bottom housing material, both switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This leads to a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing in both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro contributes to the overall typing experience by providing a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, while both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offer distinct sound profiles due to the combination of their polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings. The top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Users can expect a more resonant and clear sound with a sharper pitch from the polycarbonate top housing, and a deeper, fuller sound profile from the nylon bottom housing, creating a unique typing experience with each switch.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch. The G Pro 3.0 Red requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. The difference in bottom out force means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a slightly more substantial typing experience than the G Pro 3.0 Red. However, for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a traditional travel distance, providing a balanced feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness and key feel. Both switches offer different travel distances, catering to individual preferences for keypress feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Red 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 Red linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level suitable for most users, whether beginners or advanced. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch's sound profile is not explicitly defined in the information provided, leaving room for individual exploration based on personal preference, keyboard setup, and keycap choices.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is praised for its creamy and smooth typing experience. The use of lubricant in the switch at the factory allows for effortless key presses akin to gliding fingers across the keys. The switch also features a polished finish, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers various characteristics such as an accented tactile bump, bouncy rebound, and a snappy response, providing a lively and responsive typing feel. Additionally, the switch is described as polished, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing.
Overall, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles, both are designed to enhance the typing experience for users. Whether opting for the neutral and smooth attributes of the G Pro 3.0 Red or the vibrant and responsive features of the V3 Lavender Purple, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their preferences. Additionally, with both switches featuring polished finishes, users can anticipate reduced friction and enhanced key travel, adding to the overall satisfaction of typing on either switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired characteristics in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a light bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red would be a great choice. It offers a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, with a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying tactile bump, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be more suitable. It provides a delightful typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro will depend on your preference for linear or tactile switches, as well as the desired typing feel and sound profile.
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