Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Mini i both offer unique features tailored to different preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is renowned for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, making it a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches are perfect for office settings, providing gentle tactility with a muted sound profile that maintains the satisfaction of typing. While the Lavender Purple Pro excels in offering a polished and accented typing feel, the Mini i stands out for its lightweight design and easy-to-press keys, suitable for prolonged comfortable typing sessions. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Mini i, we can see that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing while the Mini i features a nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, while the nylon top housing of the Mini i produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer composition. This difference in housing materials results in distinct sound experiences for users of each switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Mini i feature nylon bottom housings. This means that both switches elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the superior sound absorption capabilities of nylon. While the top and bottom housings of each switch may differ, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users will experience a similar sound profile regardless of the top housing material. This similarity in bottom housing material may result in comparable typing experiences for users of both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Mini i plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Mini i produces a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the differences in the top housing materials, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound when using either the V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the Mini i.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch to the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have different actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mini i's 40 grams, making the V3 slightly harder to press down initially. Similarly, the V3 requires a bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the Mini i only requires 50 grams, indicating that the V3 provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. For users who prefer a lighter and easier keystroke, the Mini i would be the better option, whereas those who prefer a slightly heavier and more tactile typing experience may lean towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, the difference in forces between the two switches allows for a variety of preferences to be met, catering to both lighter and heavier typing preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Mini i's 3.4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance, such as that of the Mini i, users may appreciate the quicker response time and faster actuation. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may provide a more satisfying and deliberate press for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 is best described as having a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Mini i offers a fairly neutral sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. Sound quality can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro exhibits a medium tactile feel that is not too overwhelming but still provides a satisfying feedback. These switches are described as bouncy and snappy, offering a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Mini i switches provide a gentle and easy-to-press typing experience with mild tactility. These switches are also described as snappy and subtle, perfect for shared spaces or offices where a quieter typing experience is desired.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Gateron Mini i switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Lavender Purple Pro switches provide a more pronounced tactile feel and higher-pitched sound, perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Mini i switches offer a gentler and quieter typing experience, making them ideal for office settings or shared spaces. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a delightful typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight switch with a fairly muted sound profile that still provides satisfying feedback, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch would be more suitable, especially for long hours of comfortable typing in a quiet office environment. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize the sound profile and feel of the switch in your typing experience.
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