PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch by KTT is praised for its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it a comfortable choice for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Known for its clacky sound signature and unique 22mm spring, each keystroke offers a bouncy sensation that elevates the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch stands out for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience for enthusiasts. While the Jacaranda offers a silky and resonant typing experience, the Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
39g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
Both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. This shared material choice ensures that both keyboards will deliver similar sound profiles and visual effects when in use, giving users a consistent experience across both options.
On the other hand, while the Jacaranda utilizes a nylon bottom housing to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder sound due to its softer properties, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro also incorporates a nylon bottom housing for similar effects. The absorption of sound by the nylon material in the bottom housing helps to create a more muted and soothing typing experience, enhancing the overall tactile feedback and sound quality of the switches. This similarity in housing materials between the two keyboards ensures that users will have comparable typing experiences in terms of sound and feel.
The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches in both the Jacaranda and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of each keystroke. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with the qualities of each housing material working together to create a balanced and enjoyable typing experience on both keyboards.
Weight
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Jacaranda switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a bit more resistance, offering a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to users with different preferences in switch weight.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the Jacaranda has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Lavender Purple Pro which has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Jacaranda's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Lavender Purple Pro's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and percussive feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has sound qualities that are unspecified. The decision between the two switches in terms of sound preference would depend on whether the user prefers a clacky sound or is open to exploring the sound profile of the Lavender Purple Pro switch.
When it comes to feel, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience for the user. In comparison, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a mix of tactile feedback descriptors such as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This indicates that the Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a more varied tactile experience, catering to users who enjoy different levels of tactility and feedback when typing.
Overall, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch stands out for its gentle bottom-out force, clacky sound profile, and silky feel, providing a fatigue-free and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile and a mix of tactile descriptors, delivering a delightful typing experience with varying levels of feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, as both switches offer different qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force, accompanied by a bouncy sensation and clacky sound, the Jacaranda would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force with a satisfying tactile bump and potentially an accented, bouncy, snappy, or polished feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro might be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value the most.
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