Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, to the Cherry MX Black, a linear switch, it is important to consider the key differences in their design and performance. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is beloved for its satisfying tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, making it a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts seeking a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black stands out for its classic textured smoothness and deep sound profile, providing a stiff and low-pitched typing sensation. While the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a polished and accented feel, the Cherry MX Black excels in its familiar and reliable performance. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Black, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound. However, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the MX Black's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper sound profile.
In terms of aesthetic qualities, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing, with its translucency, allows for the use of RGB lighting to enhance the overall look of the switch. The Cherry MX Black, on the other hand, with its nylon top housing, provides a classic and timeless appearance. While polycarbonate offers a more modern and visually appealing option for those interested in RGB lighting effects, nylon presents a more traditional and understated look. Both materials have their own unique charm and appeal, catering to different preferences in terms of design and style.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of the switch, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed. The top housing material, on the other hand, has more of an impact on the sound when the key is released. Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Cherry MX Black switches offer a high-quality typing experience, with each material contributing to the overall sound and feel in its own unique way.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is clear that the MX Black switch is heavier in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the MX Black switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial and heavy typing feel. Both switches have different weights that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro being lighter and the MX Black being heavier. Depending on whether someone prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience, they can choose between these two switches accordingly. In terms of actuation and bottom out forces, users can expect similar results when using switches with comparable weights, leading to a consistent typing experience regardless of the specific switch being used. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Black comes down to personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, we can see that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly shorter distance of 3.8 mm, while the MX Black has a distance of 4 mm. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a more responsive typing experience, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, offering a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more tactile typing experience. Despite the slight difference in travel distance, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience that will cater to different preferences.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
The V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch produces a higher-pitched sound profile that adds to the overall typing experience, while the Cherry MX Black switch offers a deeper sound profile with Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a balanced tactile feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch is noted for its textured feel, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and providing a different typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch and the Cherry MX Black switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a lively, smooth, and tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Cherry MX Black switch offers a textured feel and a deep sound profile. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Lavender Purple Pro switch being more accentuated and bouncy, and the Cherry MX Black switch offering a different textured feel with a low-pitched sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force with a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, the Lavender Purple Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force with a low-pitched sound profile and a smoother typing experience, the MX Black switch could be more fitting. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and desired feel while using the keyboard.
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