Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience for those who enjoy a bouncy and snappy feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch stands out for its unique auditory blend, offering a high-pitched yet muted sound and a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With its accessible bottom-out and smooth keystrokes thanks to the Ly stem material, the Milk Tea switch is perfect for extended typing sessions. While the Lavender Purple Pro excels in providing a tactile and bouncy typing experience, the Milk Tea offers a silky smooth and polished feel. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their top housings. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Milk Tea's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the two switches differ in sound characteristics, both top housings offer aesthetically pleasing options for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. Conversely, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite the differences in composition, both bottom housings provide a solid foundation for a more satisfying typing experience with distinct sound qualities.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea differ in material composition, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to varying preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound from polycarbonate or a deeper and more muted sound from POM, both switches provide distinct typing experiences based on the housing materials used. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch which has an actuation force of 37.5 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro requires 55 grams, while the Milk Tea only needs 43.5 grams. This means that the Milk Tea switch is overall lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. Those who enjoy a light and gentle typing experience may prefer the Milk Tea, as it allows for easier and quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly heavier and more substantial feel, which may be preferred by those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing, whereas the Milk Tea offers a slightly shorter travel distance for those who prefer a more responsive keypress. In terms of travel distance, the Milk Tea is the shorter option, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the longer option. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, creating a delightful typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted essence, striking a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, offering a variety of experiences for users depending on their sound preferences and typing style.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as having an accented and bouncy tactile feel, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. It offers a lively and responsive typing experience, giving a sense of rebound when keys are pressed. Conversely, the Milk Tea switch is characterized by its polished and silky typing feel, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined experience that minimizes resistance and enhances the overall typing feel. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, catering to users who prefer either a more pronounced tactility or a smoother typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and PH Studio Milk Tea switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched sound profile and bouncy tactile feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience, while the Milk Tea switch offers a unique balance of high-pitched sound and silky smooth feel, catering to users who prefer a quieter and more refined typing experience. Regardless of the choice made, both switches offer quality characteristics that can enhance the typing experience for users, providing options to suit a variety of preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch or the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a unique auditory blend with a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, the Milk Tea linear switch could be the perfect fit for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
