Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Mars present two distinct yet appealing options for different typing preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is celebrated for its delightful tactile feedback, offering a snappy, bouncy feel that many users find satisfying and engaging. This switch is ideal for typists and gamers alike who enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile that adds character to their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars, known for its innovative design, features a POK stem and a housing blend of Nylon and POM, resulting in a smooth linear action that provides a more fluid and uninterrupted keystroke. This makes the Mars a fantastic choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without the tactile interruptions. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers dynamic feedback and auditory pleasure, the Gateron Mars caters to users seeking an ultra-smooth and seamless typing journey. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Mars switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their overall acoustic profiles. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when keys are pressed and released. This is particularly advantageous for users who favor an engaging typing experience that highlights the sound of each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Mars adopts a nylon top housing that absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a typing experience that feels more rounded and muted. Thus, while the V3 is suited to those who enjoy clearer acoustic feedback, the Mars appeals to users who prefer a softer, richer auditory response.
Comparing the bottom housings of both switches reveals some parallels despite the differences in their top sections. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro employs a nylon bottom housing, consistent with the classic properties of nylon to produce a deeper sound profile. Simultaneously, the Gateron Mars utilizes a POM bottom housing, known for delivering a pleasingly muted sound that is also on the deeper side. While both designs leverage softer materials, nylon will absorb sound and produce rounder acoustics, and POM offers a unique auditory experience that might skew toward a more controlled feedback. Consequently, users can expect distinct bottom-out sounds from each switch due to their materials, but both still provide a full-bodied sound experience.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Mars create unique outcomes in their sound profiles, even as they share some attributes due to their respective nylon and POM bottom housings. While the V3 emphasizes clarity and brightness, the Mars leans into a softer, more subdued sound. It's important to note that these elements will affect the individual experience when typing; the top housing significantly influences the sound on release, while the bottom housing primarily shapes the feel and sound of bottoming out. Therefore, users can select their preferred switch based on these qualities to suit their typing style and auditory preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch have similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, allowing for comparable activation ease. This similarity may favor users who appreciate a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or intense gaming. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is 55 grams, indicating a noticeable resistance when fully pressing the key down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Gateron Mars is unspecified, making it challenging to fully assess its resistance when bottomed out. Consequently, without knowing the bottom out force of the Mars switch, it’s difficult to determine its overall tactile experience compared to the Akko switch. Overall, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is slightly heavier due to its bottom out force, while the Gateron Mars remains an unknown in that aspect.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Mars features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the V3 Lavender Purple Pro the switch with the longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial tactile feedback experience that some users prefer. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Mars switch can result in faster response times, appealing to gamers and those who favor quick interactions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether the user prioritizes a deeper feel or quick actuation.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 features a higher-pitched sound profile, which contributes to a more vibrant auditory experience during typing. This higher frequency can be particularly satisfying as it often correlates with the tactile feedback that users of tactile switches appreciate. In contrast, the Gateron Mars linear switch, while also providing a satisfying sound, tends to be quieter due to its linear nature. The absence of a tactile bump means that the sound is more subdued, resulting in a smooth and consistent keystroke experience. However, the overall sound from either switch can still be influenced by the keyboard’s construction, keycap materials, and mounting style.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized by its medium tactile feedback, providing a balance that makes it suitable for both typing and gaming. With its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, this switch offers a lively sensation with a reassuring tactile bump, enhancing the typing experience without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars linear switch, designed with a POK stem and a housing blend of Nylon and POM, typically offers a smooth and fluid key travel. While it lacks the tactile feedback of the Lavender Purple V3, the Mars switch can still deliver a pleasant experience through its innovative design, however, exact feel descriptors for it remain unspecified.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch excels in sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who appreciate feedback without being overly aggressive, the Gateron Mars linear switch provides a smooth and consistent feel, great for those who prefer seamless key presses. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback versus smoothness and sound profile, both switches serve different needs within the mechanical keyboard community. Make sure to consider your typing style and the specific characteristics that appeal to you when choosing between these two options.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that is accentuated yet not overwhelming, along with a buoyant and polished feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is an excellent option for you. Its 55-gram bottom-out force gives it a pleasant balance for long typing sessions while enhancing the joy of each keystroke with its satisfying bump and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more straightforward typing experience without tactile interruptions, the Gateron Mars linear switch may appeal to you more. Although the Mars has no specified bottom-out force, its unique design and materials promise a seamless, unidirectional actuation that is perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you find value in the tactile sensation and audio feedback of the Lavender Purple Pro, or if you favor the straightforward, fluid motion offered by the Mars.
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