Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offer contrasting experiences for users. The Gateron Ink Black V2 is a linear switch known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, providing a satisfying typing experience that is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Bassy', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that features a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, offering a bouncy and snappy typing experience categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. While the Ink Black V2 may appeal to those seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Lavender Purple Pro could be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile and auditory feedback. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Black V2 and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, which is described as clacky. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials produce a similar high-pitched sound, the INK blend may offer a slightly softer and more rounded tone compared to the crisper sound of polycarbonate.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Ink Black V2 features the same proprietary INK blend as the top housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, however, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. The difference in bottom housing materials gives each switch its own unique sound signature that may appeal to different preferences.
Overall, the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play a significant role in determining its sound profile and feel. While both the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer high-pitched sound profiles, the specific characteristics of their housing materials set them apart. The INK blend of the Ink Black V2 provides a slightly softer and more rounded sound, while the polycarbonate and nylon materials of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro contribute to sharper and fuller tones. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch are quite different. The Gateron Ink Black V2 has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a smoother and lighter typing feel. Those who prefer a heavier push may lean towards the Gateron switch, while those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Akko switch for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron Ink Black V2. The difference in travel distance may result in a slightly faster response time for the Akko V3, which could be advantageous for gaming purposes. On the other hand, some users may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Gateron Ink Black V2 for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, the differences are quite clear. The Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched, bassy, and slightly chirpy sound profile, providing a deep and rich tone with a unique touch of squeakiness. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's sound characteristics are not provided in the information given, so it is unknown how it specifically compares in terms of sound. However, based on the description of a higher-pitched sound profile for the Lavender Purple V3 switches, one can expect a lighter and more melodious tone compared to the deeper and richer sound of the Ink Black V2.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel and reduced friction. Conversely, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized by accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, providing a medium level of tactility with a lively and elastic feedback sensation. Both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience in their own unique ways, with the Ink Black V2 focusing on a smooth and refined feel, while the Lavender Purple Pro offers a more tactile and responsive feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics for keyboard enthusiasts to consider. While the Ink Black V2 provides a low-pitched and bassy sound with a mild and polished feel, the Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound profile with accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished attributes for a more tactile and lively typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying choice for different types of users seeking specific qualities in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth downstroke with a rich clack, the Ink Black V2 is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a higher-pitched sound profile, satisfying tactile bump, and a delightful typing experience, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the feel and sound that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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