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Keygeek Keylin vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro

An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of linear switches like the Keygeek Keylin against tactile options such as the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The Keylin, known for its premium typing experience, utilizes new molds and is celebrated for its smoothness and rich acoustics, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a clean and uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a captivating blend of characteristics with its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, appealing to users who enjoy immersive feedback during typing. While the Keylin may cater to those seeking a seamless experience, the Lavender Purple Pro suits enthusiasts looking for a more engaging interaction with their keyboard. 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

38g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

48g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.80 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem material

UPE

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

21mm single-stage spring

Spring

20mm

Housing materials

The Keygeek Keylin and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro use different materials for their top housings, which directly influences their sound profiles. The Keylin utilizes nylon for its top housing, characterized by a softer and more forgiving texture that enables it to absorb sound more effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, ideal for users seeking a more muted auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which offers a stiffer structure. This rigidity translates to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crisper and clearer, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more vibrant auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches have their merits, their top housing materials cater to distinctly different preferences in sound quality.

When examining the bottom housings of the two switches, it's notable that both the Keygeek Keylin and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilize nylon. This shared material contributes to a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile in both models, particularly when bottoming out the keys. With nylon being a staple switch housing material, it eases the pressure during keystrokes, emphasizing a rounded acoustic output. As a result, while the top housing dramatically influences the top-out sound, the similarity in bottom housing across both switches ensures that users experience a similar depth and smoothness in sound no matter which switch they are engaging.

In summary, the primary distinction between the Keygeek Keylin and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro resides in their top housing materials, with nylon promoting a softer sound in the Keylin and polycarbonate delivering a crisper tone in the V3. Both switches, however, share nylon as their bottom housing material, which provides a complementary sound experience during key presses. This combination of differing top housing materials with shared bottom housings leads to a unique duality in auditory feedback—where the Keylin delivers a warm and rounded experience and the V3 Lavender Pro offers a bright and clear sensation—allowing users to select a switch that best aligns with their personal typing dynamics and sound preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a preferable choice for those who desire a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use such as in work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option. This extra weight can provide a more substantial feel during typing, appealing to users who enjoy a stronger push. Overall, the Keylin is the lighter switch while the V3 Lavender is relatively heavier, giving users clear options based on their typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, the Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference suggests that the Keylin switch may provide a more responsive feel, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, with its greater travel distance, might appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke and a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences, as they cater to different typing styles: the Keylin is ideal for those seeking speed, while the V3 Iavender Purple Pro leans toward a more satisfying depth.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.

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 Keygeek Keylin linear switch is renowned for its rich acoustics, delivering a smooth and satisfying sound profile that is pleasant without being distracting. It creates a balanced auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate, making it ideal for both typing and gaming environments. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch produces a higher-pitched sound, characteristic of its tactile bump. This sound can add a delightful dynamism to your typing experience, although it may be perceived as less soothing than the acoustic warmth of the Keylin. Both switches may have their sound influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but they each offer distinct auditory characteristics that cater to different preferences.

When it comes to feel, the Keylin switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, allowing for a delightful keypress experience without any scratchiness. This smoothness is key for users who prioritize a fluid typing experience. Meanwhile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is notable for its "medium tactile" feedback, which provides an accented sensation without overwhelming the typist. It also exhibits a bouncy nature, giving a spring-like rebound on actuating, making it feel lively and responsive. The snappy characteristic ensures quick responsiveness in each keystroke, while the polished finish enhances the overall smoothness of operation. In summary, while both switches offer enjoyable tactile experiences, they cater to different tactile preferences—smoothness in the Keylin versus the layered tactile feedback of the Lavender Purple Pro.

In conclusion, both the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch present distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Keylin offers rich acoustics and a seamless feel, ideal for those seeking smoothness, while the Lavender Purple Pro combines a higher-pitched sound with a pronounced tactile response, creating a more lively typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard setup, so consider what qualities matter most to you when making your choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter keypress and appreciate a smooth, linear feel combined with rich acoustics, the Keylin would be your best choice. Its 48-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers who require quick actuation without the added resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump and a bit more resistance, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, with its 55-gram bottom-out force, offers that delightful combination of tactility and a higher-pitched sound profile. Its bouncy and snappy nature makes it appealing for those who enjoy feedback during their typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the type of feedback and sound profile you find most satisfying, so consider what aspects of a switch are most important to you before making your selection.

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