Gateron Ink Red vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Red and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offer distinct characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch, known for its lower actuation force, making it perfect for those with a lighter typing style. The switch is smooth, emits a crispy and clacky sound, and provides an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch, offering a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump for a delightful typing experience. While the Ink Red is categorized as neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished, the Lavender Purple Pro is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. Each switch has its own unique appeal, but diving deeper beyond generalities will help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
In comparing the Gateron Ink Red and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro housing materials, it is clear that they each offer unique sound profiles. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a thin and higher-pitched clacky sound, while the Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials aim to offer a satisfying typing experience but cater to different preferences in terms of sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Lavender Purple Pro allows for a more resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Ink Red features the same proprietary INK blend as the top housing, resulting in a consistent high-pitched and satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, the Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the softer nature of the material that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. The choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro housing materials will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. While the Ink Red offers a consistent high-pitched clacky sound with its proprietary INK blend in both top and bottom housings, the Lavender Purple Pro provides a more varied sound profile with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings. Both materials have their own advantages and drawbacks, so users should consider their typing style and desired sound profile when deciding between the two switches. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit through different means.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it can be seen that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Gateron Ink Red has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's bottom out force of 55 grams, making the Ink Red the heavier of the two switches. The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro may appeal to those looking for a more effortless typing experience, while the heavier forces of the Gateron Ink Red could be preferred by users seeking a more substantial and tactile keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and desired keyboard usage.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Gateron Ink Red has a slightly longer travel distance, making it the longer option. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance, making it the shorter option. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ink Red being more on the traditional side and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro being slightly shallower. Gamers may prefer the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its shorter travel distance, resulting in faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Gateron Ink Red with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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 Ink Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most typing preferences. It also has a unique chirpy characteristic that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch does not have a specific description for its sound profile, so it is not as distinct in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Red switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also described as mild, making it approachable to most users with its safe, middle-ground qualities. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is accented, bouncy, and snappy, providing a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Like the Ink Red, it also offers a polished finish for a sleek typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is best suited for those who prefer a lighter typing style with a smooth and slightly chirpy sound profile. It offers a neutral feel with minimal resistance and polished key travel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch caters to users looking for a more tactile typing experience with a satisfying bump and lively feel. While both switches offer unique characteristics, they cater to different typing preferences, providing a diverse range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a lighter typing style with a smooth and crispy feel, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump for a delightful typing experience, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing style and sound profile. So, consider your preferences carefully and choose the switch that best suits your needs and typing habits.
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