Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch known for its satisfying tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch that offers a clacky sound signature and a silky typing experience, with the added bonus of a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Lightning Silver V3 is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own unique features and qualities that may cater to different preferences and needs. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and ability to create clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. While both switches share this top housing material, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials: the V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and clear sound profile associated with polycarbonate material.
The utilization of different bottom housing materials in the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 significantly impacts the overall typing experience. Typing on the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, with its nylon bottom housing, results in a deeper and fuller sound that creates a more rounded typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, adding to the overall clarity of keystrokes. While both switches share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, the distinctive bottom housing materials create unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 showcases the importance of material selection in creating distinct typing experiences. While both switches benefit from the sharp and resonant qualities of polycarbonate in their top housing, the divergence in bottom housing materials, with nylon in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3, results in contrasting sound profiles and typing sensations. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound or a sharper and crisper one, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience on these two mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a softer feel, ideal for extended periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a slightly heavier push, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Lavender Purple Pro has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the 3.4 mm of the Lightning Silver V3. While both switches offer a shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0 mm, the Lavender Purple Pro provides a slightly more substantial depth for those who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster input speeds. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a more responsive or more substantial typing experience.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 tactile switch is noted for its higher-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, delivering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Lavender Purple Pro offering a more tactile experience in terms of sound compared to the Lightning Silver V3's linear response.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is highlighted for its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, providing a tactile typing experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The keys offer a lively rebound when pressed, making typing feel more responsive and tactile. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness enhances the overall feel of typing, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched and tactile sound profile with accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feels, the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different aspects of the typing experience, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a switch with a higher pitched sound profile, a satisfying tactile bump, and a medium-light bottom out force, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky sound signature, a silky smooth typing experience, and a medium bottom out force, then the Lightning Silver V3 may be more suited to your tastes. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired feel when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique features that can enhance your overall typing experience.
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