Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro mechanical keyboard switches, there are distinct differences to consider. The Ink Box Pink is a linear switch, known for its smooth feel and lighter typing experience, with a higher-pitched clack sound. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch, offering a satisfying tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits that may appeal to different preferences. The Ink Box Pink may be preferable for those who enjoy a smooth and polished typing experience, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be more suited for individuals who enjoy a bouncy and snappy tactile 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Gateron Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a thin and higher-pitched sound profile, creating a satisfying clacky sound. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro uses a polycarbonate top housing that is known for its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate material is stiffer, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound compared to the INK blend used in the Gateron switch. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Box Pink utilizes the same proprietary INK blend material as the top housing, delivering a consistent pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Conversely, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro employs a nylon bottom housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Nylon is known to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the INK blend material used in the Gateron switch. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing.
The utilization of different housing materials in the top and bottom portions of a switch can lead to a split in sound and feel qualities. The bottom housing material, such as nylon in the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material, like the polycarbonate in the same switch, plays a key role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding how these housing materials interact can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force, with the Ink Box Pink requiring 60 grams and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro needing 55 grams. The lighter actuation force of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be preferred by those who want a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Ink Box Pink provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Box Pink. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances when compared to the traditional 4.0mm standard. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Ink Box Pink with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers an accented, bouncy, snappy feel with a satisfying tactile bump. The Ink Box Pink provides a silky and polished typing experience, enhancing smoothness and minimizing resistance, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro combines a medium level of tactility with bouncy, snappy feedback for a lively feel.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Box Pink provides a lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a delightful tactile bump and a lively, bouncy feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel. Ultimately, both switches are excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a customized typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch or the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Ink Box Pink may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a satisfying bump and a combination of accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch could be more suitable for your needs. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what attributes are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
