Gateron Glory Red vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro represent two distinct yet appealing options that cater to different preferences. The Glory Red switches, recognized for their smooth keystrokes and lighter touch, provide an enjoyable typing experience with a satisfying travel distance that is perfect for those who prioritize fluidity and speed. In contrast, the Lavender Purple Pro switches offer a tactile bump that enhances feedback during typing, accompanied by a higher-pitched sound profile that resonates with enthusiasts who appreciate a more dynamic auditory experience. While the Gateron Glory Red is ideal for gamers and typists seeking a streamlined performance, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro appeals to those who enjoy a bouncier, snappier feel with an engaging sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both feature distinct materials that impact their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Glory Red employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for producing a deeper, fuller sound. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound better than some other plastics, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro opts for a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, allowing it to produce a sharper and crisper sound. Therefore, while the nylon from the Glory Red provides a more muted sound, the polycarbonate of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro delivers a more pronounced acoustic experience, especially beneficial for those who value enhanced sound clarity or use RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's transparency.
When we examine the bottom housings of both switches, there is a notable similarity; both the Glory Red and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilize nylon. This shared material leads to a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon excels at absorbing sound and delivering a warmer auditory experience. Thus, when typing on either of these switches, the effect of the bottom housing will be similar, creating a duller and warmer auditory sensation that is typical of nylon. This congruence in material for the bottom housing helps to bridge the acoustic characteristics of the two switches despite their differing top housings.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials influences the overall typing experience and sound profile. For the Glory Red, the nylon top contributes to a softer, rounded sound, while its nylon bottom reinforces that warmth. Conversely, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top leads to a brighter sound while maintaining the deep tonal quality attributed to its nylon bottom. Therefore, even though they have differing top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom leads to similar auditory feelings, particularly when bottoming out. Since the acoustic signatures of these switches are a direct consequence of this interplay, users can expect diverse yet nuanced experiences when alternating between them.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, both have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience comparable responsiveness when typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force differs significantly: the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Glory Red switch is unknown. This means that while both switches feel light when actuated, the Lavender Purple Pro will feel heavier upon bottoming out due to the increased force needed to press it all the way down. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience, the Glory Red might be more suitable, while the Lavender Purple Pro offers a more substantial feel for those who prefer a heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Glory Red is the shorter option, which may be preferable for those seeking quicker response times typical of gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a more pronounced depth with its longer travel distance, catering to users who enjoy a more tactile and hearty keypress experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Glory Red linear switch is known for its smooth and subtle acoustic profile, ensuring a quiet typing experience that is appealing to users who prefer less noise in their setup. The sound is pleasant yet not overly pronounced, which allows for a more focused environment. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch produces a higher-pitched sound profile, characteristic of tactile switches. This switch generates an audible sound when the tactile bump is engaged, providing audible confirmation of key activation, which can be satisfying for users who appreciate a more expressive acoustic feedback during their typing sessions. Ultimately, while both switches have distinct sound signatures, the choice will depend on individual preferences for noise level and acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Red switch offers a smooth keystroke that is linear, meaning it lacks tactile feedback but provides an uninterrupted travel path for a seamless typing experience. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy a fluid, gliding sensation while typing or gaming. Conversely, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch delivers a more complex tactile experience with its medium tactile bump. This accentuated feedback contributes to a bouncy and snappy sensation as the user types, with a polished finish that reduces friction and enhances smoothness. The combination of these tactile characteristics may offer a more dynamic and engaging typing experience compared to the linear nature of the Glory Red.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Red and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Glory Red is suitable for those who desire a quiet and smooth linear experience, while the Lavender Purple Pro is ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate tactile feedback and a more expressive typing sound. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal taste: if you favor a seamless and subdued action, the Glory Red will serve well; however, if you want a lively, tactile experience with a noticeable audio element, the Lavender Purple Pro will likely be more satisfying.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and prefer lighter actuation forces that require minimal effort, the Glory Red is an excellent choice, offering you a satisfying and swift typing experience suitable for both gaming and extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback with a pronounced bump that enhances your typing rhythm, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is likely to be more enjoyable for you. Its medium-light actuation force combined with a pleasing sound profile will deliver a lively and engaging typing experience, perfect for those who value tactile sensation without going overboard. Therefore, consider your primary activities—whether they lean more towards gaming, casual use, or typing-intensive work—and choose the switch that aligns best with your needs.
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