Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch known for its delightful combination of features, including a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, making it a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is a linear switch designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience with a comfortably light actuation. While the Lavender Purple Pro provides a bouncy and snappy feel, the Mountain Top switch offers a subtle and easy-to-press typing experience. 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
Both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top housing materials aim to create a unique typing experience through sound profiles. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Mountain Top switches use nylon for their top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound experience. While both materials have their own distinct characteristics, they both contribute to enhancing the overall typing experience in different ways.
In terms of durability and flexibility, polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. This can be beneficial for those who prefer a more precise and defined typing sound. On the other hand, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile in the Gateron Mountain Top switches. While this may appeal to those who enjoy a softer typing experience, it may not offer the same level of clarity and precision as polycarbonate.
Overall, both housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. Whether you prefer the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Gateron Mountain Top, both options offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are seeking.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we can see a difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mountain Top would be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would provide a more satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer distinct options for users based on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. A shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the switch with the longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their unique travel distances, catering to the preferences of different users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Mountain Top 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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, adding an enjoyable auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is designed for discretion in professional settings, providing a quiet, yet not entirely silent typing experience with a subdued sound signature. While both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, the Lavender Purple Pro switch may offer a more distinct and audible typing sound compared to the Mountain Top switch which prioritizes a quieter operation.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as having accented tactility, bouncy feedback, a snappy response, and a polished finish, providing users with a tactile yet smooth typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy sensation, easy-to-press actuation, a mild typing experience, snappy responsiveness, and a subtle feel. Both switches seem to excel in providing a comfortable and responsive typing feel, with the Lavender Purple Pro switch leaning towards a more tactile and polished experience, while the Mountain Top switch focuses on a light and gentle typing feel suitable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch and the Gateron Mountain Top switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and use cases. The Lavender Purple Pro switch excels in providing a distinct tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with its accented tactility and bouncy feedback. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch prioritizes quiet operation and easy-to-press actuation, making it ideal for professional environments where discreet typing is essential. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and usage scenarios, both switches offer reliable and enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with different emphasis on certain qualities.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice, especially if you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a quiet typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top would be more suitable, especially for office environments where discretion is key. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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