Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, to the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, there are distinct differences that appeal to different preferences in mechanical keyboard users. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a delightful typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy accents, bounce, snappiness, and a polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic stands out in the clicky switch category with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a buttery feel, resonant sound, invigorating feedback, and a crunchy texture. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Melodic, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, as polycarbonate is translucent, it is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting for a visually appealing result. Despite using the same material for the top housing, the sound and feel of the switches may differ based on other factors such as the bottom housing material.
In terms of bottom housing material, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes nylon, while the Gateron Melodic also features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other materials. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound. Both switches benefit from the qualities of nylon, providing a unique typing experience that enhances the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, while both switches share similar housing materials in terms of top and bottom materials, the specific design and construction of each switch may contribute to subtle differences in sound and feel. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during key presses, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite these nuances, users can expect a comparable experience in terms of sound profile and typing feel when using switches with polycarbonate and nylon housing materials.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Melodic switch is heavier at 60 grams, while the V3 Lavender has a bottom out force of 55 grams. The V3 Lavender provides a more medium-light typing experience, whereas the Melodic offers a slightly heavier feel. When looking at weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the V3 Lavender for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the stronger push of the Melodic for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch. The difference of only 0.2mm might not be significant to some users, but it could impact the feel and feedback of the switches for those who are sensitive to such details. Ultimately, the shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro may appeal more to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch may provide a more substantial key press for those who prefer it. In general, both switches fall within the range of common travel distances and will likely provide similar typing experiences overall.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch delivers a resonant and crunchy sound, reminiscent of classic clicky switches. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offering a cleaner and sharper profile while the Melodic provides a unique crunchy sensation. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will depend on the individual's taste and setup.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is noted for its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, offering a medium tactile feedback that is smooth and refined. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback. Both switches excel in different aspects of tactile feedback, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro emphasizing a balanced tactile sensation and the Melodic focusing on a seamless and reactive typing experience. The choice between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a softer and more uniform feel or a more pronounced and reactive feedback.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer unique sound and feel experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched sound with a satisfying tactile bump, along with a balanced tactile feedback, making it a great choice for those seeking a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch delivers a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a smooth and fluid keystroke, creating an immersive and reactive typing sensation. By considering individual sound and feel preferences, enthusiasts can select the switch that best suits their typing needs to enhance their overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch or the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic clicky sound with smoothness and dual-railed stems for a crunchy and resonant typing experience, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch might be more suitable. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best suits your individual needs.
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