KTT Laurel vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the KTT Laurel 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 KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Laurel, a linear switch, is praised for its medium-light actuation force, full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, providing a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. With a subtly low-pitched sound profile, the Laurel switch is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, features a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, contributing to a delightful typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. Known for its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished characteristics, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a unique typing sensation. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22m spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The KTT Laurel and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Laurel's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. While the POM housing is known for its pleasing sound, the polycarbonate housing offers a more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Both materials offer a different auditory experience, catering to individual preferences based on sound preference.
In terms of bottom housing, the Laurel and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro differ in their materials and resulting sound profiles. The Laurel's POM bottom housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing produces a fuller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro contributes to a softer typing experience, absorbing more sound and creating a duller sound compared to the POM material used in the Laurel. These distinct sound profiles cater to different typing preferences, offering a range of options for keyboard enthusiasts.
When considering the overall typing experience, the housing materials in both the top and bottom of the switch play a crucial role. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, influencing the richness and depth of the sound. On the other hand, the top housing is more influential on the sound when a key is released. While the Laurel and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may have different housing materials, each material brings unique qualities to the typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, whether it is POM or polycarbonate, nylon or POM, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Laurel switch is lighter in both aspects. The Laurel has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Laurel being slightly lighter and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offering a bit more resistance. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Laurel, ideal for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, which provides a bit more resistance for a tactile typing experience. Overall, both switches offer unique benefits depending on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the KTT Laurel linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is clear that the Laurel has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Laurel's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 KTT Laurel linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch's sound profile is not explicitly described in the information provided. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Laurel linear switch is described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive, thanks to features like longer or dual-staged springs that enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers a combination of descriptors such as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities suggest that the Akko switch provides a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, along with a spring-like feedback sensation and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Laurel linear switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile and snappy feel, offering a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile, along with an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel that makes for a delightful typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the KTT Laurel linear switch or the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile with a snappy typing experience, the KTT Laurel switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a higher-pitched sound profile, and a tactile experience with features like an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, then the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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