Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro stand out as excellent choices for different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly excellence, high-pitched clacky sound profile, and bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying tactile bump, higher-pitched sound profile, and a delightful typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is ideal for those who prefer a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is perfect for individuals who enjoy the tactile sensation while typing. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through easily. However, since both switches share the same material for their top housing, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics from either option.
On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, ensuring users experience the same tactile and auditory feedback while typing on the switch. In this aspect, both switches offer a consistent typing experience due to their shared bottom housing material.
Overall, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, they each offer a unique typing experience with their nylon bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, while the nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience with a fuller and deeper sound. Similarly, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro delivers a similar typing experience with its polycarbonate top housing, complemented by the nylon bottom housing for a consistent and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, the actuation forces differ slightly. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the 45 grams of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. When it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is also heavier at 67 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is lighter at 55 grams. These differences mean that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a lighter touch, perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming. In conclusion, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is lighter in comparison. This means that users seeking a heavier feel should opt for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, while those preferring a lighter touch may find the V3 Lavender Purple Pro more suitable.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow 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 0.2 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it could influence the feel and response of the switches. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow may provide a slightly deeper press compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its slightly longer travel distance, while those who prefer a more abrupt feel may opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow being the longer travel distance option and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro being the shorter of the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, producing a sharp and clean sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch's sound profile is not specified in the provided information, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, both switches can offer a unique auditory experience when paired with different keyboards and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is described as polished and creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that is enhanced by reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a combination of features like accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, which indicates a tactile switch with a moderate amount of tactility, spring-like feedback, responsiveness, and refined finish. While the feel of these switches may differ slightly, both are designed to offer a satisfying tactile experience to keyboard enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow excels in providing a high-pitched sound profile and a creamy typing feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a delightful tactile bump and a bouncy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience that each user is looking for, but rest assured that both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier key press and enjoy a high-pitched, clacky sound with a bouncy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter key press and are looking for a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro could be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.
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