Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers two distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Yellow, recognized for its smooth keystroke and satisfying travel distance, provides a linear feel that many typists and gamers appreciate for its consistent actuation without tactile feedback. Conversely, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that boasts a delightful bump and a higher-pitched sound profile, creating an engaging auditory experience that can enhance typing enjoyment. While the Glory Yellow suits those seeking a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke, the Lavender Purple Pro appeals to users who enjoy tactile feedback and a more interactive typing session. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Gateron Glory Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches showcase a notable contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top housing, known for its softer and more yielding characteristics. This softness allows for a deeper, fuller sound when typing, as the material absorbs sound waves and dampens resonance. Therefore, users can expect a more muted auditory experience, which many may find pleasant for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is constructed with a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of the material. The polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it a fantastic choice for those who prefer a brighter and more pronounced auditory feedback when striking keys.
Interestingly, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity results in a convergence of sound profiles in terms of the bottom-out experience. The nylon bottom housing dampens the typing noise, contributing to a fuller and richer sound when the keys are pressed down. This shared material leads to a smoother and more comfortable tactile feel during their bottom-out phase, allowing for consistent keystroke feedback. While the configurations differ in their upper housings, the use of nylon on the bottom for both switches ensures that the deeper sound profile is retained when the keys are fully depressed.
Overall, the combination of materials in these switches dictates the overall typing experience, where the differing top housing materials and their distinct acoustic properties stem unique characteristics. The Glory Yellow’s softer nylon top allows for a muted, lush typing experience, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top lends itself to a brighter and more resonant sound. Despite these disparities, both switches share a fundamental similarity in their nylon bottom housings, providing a balancing effect that enhances the deeper sound profile typically associated with nylon while retaining a variation in auditory sensation based on their top constructions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound and resonance during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Glory Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier than the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's 45 grams. This lighter actuation force may appeal to users looking for a switch that facilitates longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue. However, the Gateron switch lacks information on its bottom out force, which makes it difficult to provide a full comparison in that regard. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a medium-light resistance when bottoming out. As a result, the Akko switch offers a more substantial feel upon deeper presses, catering to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, if a lighter touch is preferred for extended use, the Gateron Glory Yellow is likely the better choice; conversely, those seeking a more robust feedback when bottoming out may favor the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
Travel distance
The Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Glory Yellow provides a more substantial pressing experience, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key feel and a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, being shorter in travel, can offer quicker responsiveness, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor faster actuation and rapid key presses. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that provides a hearty depth with every keystroke, the Gateron Glory Yellow would be the better choice. However, if you prioritize speed and efficiency, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Yellow 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 Yellow switch features a smooth operation that contributes to a more muted acoustic profile during typing. While it's not entirely silent, its sound is less pronounced and clicky compared to tactile switches, allowing for a more subdued experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a higher-pitched sound profile due to its tactile design, which adds an audible click during actuation. This creates a more lively acoustic environment that many typists find pleasing, especially in casual or gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the difference in sound will manifest in the both switches, with the Glory Yellow offering a more subdued auditory experience in contrast to the sharper, more defined sounds of the Lavender Purple Pro.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches deliver a smooth keystroke that enhances the typing experience through a pleasant travel distance. This linear switch is known for a consistent, uninterrupted motion, making it ideal for fast typing or gaming. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro presents a tactile, bouncy feel with an accentuated tactile bump. Its design offers a lively, responsive experience that captures your fingers with a notable feedback sensation, without feeling overly harsh or scratchy. Users looking for a blend of tactility and smoothness may find the Lavender Purple Pro particularly enjoyable due to this balance, while those who prefer uninterrupted linear motion will favor the Glory Yellow.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, allowing typists and gamers to select according to their needs. The Gateron Glory Yellow offers a seamless and quieter typing experience, making it suitable for environments where noise is a consideration. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a more tactile and audible feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a dynamic interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes a linear and smooth keystroke or a tactile and bouncy feedback sensation. Each can provide a satisfying experience once tailored to the user's typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're someone who values a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and enjoys the sensation of lighter resistance while typing, the Glory Yellow is a fantastic option. Its design emphasizes a pleasing travel distance, making it ideal for extended typing sessions, particularly if you enjoy a quiet atmosphere without tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a little more character in your typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer a delightful medium-light resistance (55 grams) accompanied by a satisfying tactile bump. These switches create a lively feel that can enhance your typing velocity and accuracy—a great choice if you appreciate auditory feedback alongside a bit of tactile engagement. In essence, choose the Glory Yellow for smoothness and a serene experience, while the Lavender Purple Pro would be better suited for those who enjoy tactile sensations and sound in their typing.
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