Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, to the SP-Star Meteor White, a linear switch, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Lavender Purple V3 switches offer a bouncy and snappy typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Meteor White switches provide a subtle and smooth typing experience with a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile, catering to those who prefer a softer touch and a more subdued sound. The Lavender Purple Pro is accentuated and energetic, while the Meteor White is neutral and mellow. Both switches offer a polished feel, but their overall personalities greatly differ. 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the SP-Star Meteor White's nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, nylon, used in the Meteor White, offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Despite the difference in material, both housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Meteor White utilize nylon, resulting in a similar deep and full sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. As a classic switch housing material, nylon helps to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a more satisfying sound and feel. While the bottom housing of a switch may have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch plays a critical role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The differences between the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the nylon top housing of the Meteor White result in distinct sound characteristics – sharper and crisper for polycarbonate and deeper and fuller for nylon. However, both switches share the benefits of using nylon for the bottom housing, contributing to a similar deep and full sound profile. Whether it be for a more resonant sound or a softer, more absorbing noise, the housing material of a switch is key to achieving the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light touch feedback. In contrast, the Meteor White switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 57 grams, also falling into the medium-light category. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience that may be preferred by those who type for extended periods. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the slight variance may impact the typing experience for some users. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Meteor White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing 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 White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is best known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a gentle and subdued sound profile that is easy on the ears, with a pitter-patter effect when typing. While the Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a more pronounced sound with its tactile bump, the Meteor White switch provides a softer and more neutral sound that is suitable for various environments.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized by being accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile feel with a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. In comparison, the SP-Star Meteor White switch provides a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Lavender Purple Pro switch having a more pronounced tactility compared to the Meteor White switch.
In conclusion, the Lavender Purple Pro switch excels in providing a higher-pitched sound profile and a more pronounced tactile feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a gentler sound and a softer feel, providing a more neutral typing experience that is suitable for a wider range of users. Depending on personal preference, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Lavender Purple Pro offering a more tactile and pronounced option, while the Meteor White provides a softer and more neutral alternative.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a satisfying bump and higher-pitched sound profile, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle linear switch that is easy to push and produces a soft sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for either tactile feedback or a smoother linear typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and sound preference.
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