Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the SP-Star Meteor Orange both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is praised for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing keyboard enthusiasts with a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches are known for their gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, offering a mild and thocky typing sensation. Each switch has its own distinct qualities that may appeal to different users depending on their typing 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
57g
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
Nylon
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange, we can see that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Meteor Orange has a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder typing experience. These differences in top housing materials will have a noticeable impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of bottom housings, both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Meteor Orange feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to produce a duller and rounder typing experience. With both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a similar sound profile when pressing down on the keys. The impact of the bottom housing material on the bottom-out sound and feel will be consistent between these two switches, providing a cohesive typing experience regardless of the brand.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Meteor Orange both feature nylon bottom housings, they differ in their top housing materials - with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro using polycarbonate and the Meteor Orange using nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange produces a deeper and fuller sound. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to find the typing experience that best suits their needs.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch both fall into the medium-light category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro requires a 45-gram actuation force and a 55-gram bottom out force, while the Meteor Orange has an unknown actuation force and a 57-gram bottom out force. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience, which can be comfortable for extended use. However, some users may prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, in which case the Meteor Orange would be the slightly heavier option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of keypress resistance.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Meteor Orange's 4 mm. The difference of 0.2 mm may seem insignificant, but it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may provide a quicker and more responsive feel, ideal for those looking for a swift keypress. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more substantial feel, preferred by those who enjoy a more deliberate and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming style.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is known for its higher-pitched sound profile, which adds a unique auditory experience to typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option suitable for various environments and preferences. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a combination of tactile feedback that is accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, giving users a satisfying typing experience with a balanced level of tactility and smooth key travel. In comparison, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch offers a milder typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring a comfortable and refined feel for users. Both switches are designed to cater to different preferences in terms of key feel and feedback.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer unique qualities in sound and feel. While the Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile and a more pronounced tactile feel, the Meteor Orange switch offers a neutral sound and a gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience that each user is looking for.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer exquisitively gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile, the Meteor Orange could be more suitable. Additionally, take into account the slight difference in bottom out force between the two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what factors are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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