Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and KTT Lightning offer unique experiences for users. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch, known for its satisfying tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, providing a delightful typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning is a linear switch that offers a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile, making it ideal for situations where speed is crucial. While the Lavender Purple Pro is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Lightning is characterized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Chirpy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and specific needs, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make the best decision for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Lightning are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic contributes to the clear and resonant sound produced by both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect a comparable sound experience when typing on either of these switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is appreciated for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning also features a nylon bottom housing, offering users a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced. Both switches benefit from the unique qualities that nylon brings to the bottom housing, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Lightning may differ in their top and bottom housing materials, they ultimately provide users with comparable sound profiles. The combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both switches offers users a balance of sharp, higher-pitched sounds from the top housing, and deeper, fuller tones from the bottom housing. Whether typing on the V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the KTT Lightning, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is evident that the Lightning switch is lighter in both aspects. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. On the other hand, the Lightning switch boasts a lower actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Lightning switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Lightning's 3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by many users, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly deeper keypress experience. Gamers looking for a faster response time may opt for the Lightning switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is known for its higher-pitched and delightful sound profile, providing a satisfying tactile bump during typing. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch is described as producing a clacky sound, offering a sharp and snappy acoustic experience that can be perceived as crisp, bright, and percussive. Depending on personal preference and the keyboard setup, the sound produced by each switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized by features such as an accented tactile bump, bouncy sensation, snappy responsiveness, and a polished finish, offering a medium tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. In contrast, the KTT Lightning switch is described as providing a subtle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in a light and smooth typing feel with minimal sound resonance. Each switch offers a unique typing experience that appeals to different preferences and typing styles.
Taking into account the subjective qualities of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch in terms of sound and feel, it is evident that they provide distinct typing experiences that cater to various preferences. While the Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a higher-pitched and delightful sound profile with a bouncy and snappy tactile feel, the Lightning switch produces a clacky sound with a subtle resistance and polished finish for a smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a satisfying tactile bump, a higher-pitched sound profile, and a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a light bottom out force of 50 grams, a slick typing feel, and a clacky sound profile, the Lightning switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing experience and the specific features that align with your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
