Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade stand out due to their unique characteristics and user experiences. The Lavender Purple Pro switches are celebrated for their tactile feel and higher-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience that enthusiasts often crave. Their bouncy and snappy characteristics make them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback while typing, enhancing overall productivity. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches utilize innovative hall effect technology, delivering a bright and clacky sound that appeals to gamers and typists alike. Known for their superior acoustics and overall typing feel, these switches can be especially beneficial for users seeking an upgrade on compatible keyboards like the Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. While both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feedback, each has its own set of advantages that can enhance your typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar auditory experience. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances sound clarity but also makes it an ideal choice for switches designed to accommodate RGB lighting, allowing the light to shine through effectively. Both switches share this quality, which ensures that users can expect comparable sound characteristics when typing. The clear nature of the polycarbonate housing accentuates the resonant sound profile inherent in both models, appealing to those who prioritize a bright auditory feedback during typing.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches diverges slightly in terms of acoustic properties. Both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade feature nylon for their bottom housing. This material is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This softer construction leads to a more muted, rounder auditory experience when bottoming out the keys. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the feel and sound upon keypress, users of either switch will experience a rich sensation when typing. The use of nylon helps buffer the harsher sounds that could emerge from the top housing, creating a balanced sound experience overall.
Ultimately, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade share a similar auditory quality in their top housing, their combined materials result in a distinctive sound profile when typing. The polycarbonate top housing generates the sharp and crisp highs, while the nylon bottom housing contributes a deeper resonance. Therefore, despite being different in their composition, the combination of materials in both switches offers a harmonious balance, allowing for both higher-pitched sounds upon release and fuller auditory feedback when bottoming out. Users who appreciate these characteristics will find a satisfying typing experience in both models, albeit with their unique nuances.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This difference means that the Lavender Purple Pro will require a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke, potentially offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier feel. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that the resistance felt when bottoming out is consistent across both options. Consequently, the Magnetic Jade switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, whereas the Lavender Purple Pro may appeal to users who favor a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there is a notable difference that could impact user preference. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it a deeper option compared to the Magnetic Jade, which has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. For gamers and users who favor quicker and more responsive keystrokes, the Magnetic Jade's shorter travel may provide an advantage. However, those who appreciate a more substantial keypress might prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its greater travel distance, offering a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response time.
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 Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 switches produce a higher-pitched sound profile that many users find delightful, blending a pleasant auditory experience with their tactile feedback. This higher pitch can contribute to a satisfying typing atmosphere, especially when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are characterized by a bright, clacky sound that emphasizes the acoustic qualities of the material. This lively sound can elevate the typing experience, particularly on keyboards designed for hall effect switches, making them a top choice for those who value rich acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are considered medium tactile, with a notable bump that provides a balanced experience. They are accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished—leading to responsive and lively key travel that feels both satisfying and smooth under the fingers. This combination creates an engaging typing sensation without overwhelming the user. In contrast, details about the feel of the Magnetic Jade switches are currently unknown, leaving room for exploration as their unique characteristics become better understood in real-world usage.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switches have their distinct strengths, making them appealing to different types of keyboard enthusiasts. The Lavender Purple Pro leans toward a more refined and balanced typing experience with its engaging sound and tactile feedback, while the Magnetic Jade focuses on a bright, clacky sound that enhances its appeal for users looking for something special in acoustics. Regardless of your choice, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, though the specific qualities may vary, making it worthwhile to try both to find which aligns best with your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a delightful tactile bump with an accented feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro could be your go-to option. Its medium-light bottom-out force and bouncy, polished characteristics provide a lively and smooth typing experience that many find satisfying for both typing and gaming. However, if you're looking for an upgraded keyboard experience with a brighter, clackier sound profile, the Gateron Magnetic Jade might be the better fit. Its medium-light bottom-out force, combined with its superior acoustics and responsive action, makes it particularly appealing if you want a more engaging and dynamic typing environment. Thus, consider your priorities: for a tactile, pleasant sound and feel, opt for the Lavender Purple Pro; for enhanced acoustics and a clacky experience, go with the Magnetic Jade.
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