Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Brown 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 Cherry MX Brown both offer unique features and advantages. The Lavender Purple V3 switches from Akko provide a bouncy and snappy typing experience with a polished feel, along with an accented higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Browns are known for their subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and low-pitched audio feedback. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro excels in its distinct sound profile and tactile bump, the Cherry MX Brown stands out for its subtlety and light 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Cherry MX Brown switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deep and full sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. However, in terms of the top housing, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro uses polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is also beneficial for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the MX Brown sticks to nylon for its top housing, maintaining the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with this material.
While the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a similar deep and full sound profile, the top housings differentiate them in terms of sound quality. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and more resonant sound, perfect for those looking for a crisper typing experience with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the MX Brown's nylon top housing generates a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing a different typing experience with a rounder sound profile. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials can be felt when typing, as the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Cherry MX Brown switches will depend on the sound profile and typing experience preferred by the user. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a unique blend of sharpness and depth in sound, with the added benefit of compatibility with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown's uniform use of nylon for both top and bottom housings results in a consistent deep and full sound profile, favoring users who prefer a rounder typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, making them both medium-light switches. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the force required to press the keys. The actuation force is crucial for determining how light or heavy the keypress feels, while the bottom out force is important for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a balance between lightness for extended typing sessions and enough resistance to provide a satisfying typing feel. Users who enjoy a consistent typing experience can expect similar results from both switches.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the MX Brown being on the slightly longer side. Gamers may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more deliberate key press may opt for the Cherry MX Brown with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, while the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, it can still have an impact on the feel and responsiveness of the keyboard.
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 Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is best described as having a higher-pitched sound profile, offering a more crisp and light auditory feedback during key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch provides a bassier and lower-pitched sound, contributing to a deeper and more subdued audio experience. The sound of a switch is also influenced by the keyboard itself as well as the keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its accented tactile bump, providing a satisfying amount of tactility without being overpowering. It also offers a bouncy and snappy typing experience due to its responsive feedback and smooth key travel. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch enhances the overall typing feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch is characterized as having a textured feel, which may provide a bit more friction during key presses, appealing to those who prefer a slightly rougher typing experience.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Brown switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched sound and a polished, bouncy typing experience, the MX Brown switch offers a bassier sound profile with a textured feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound, tactility, and typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a switch with a higher-pitched sound profile and a more pronounced tactile bump for a delightful typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtler typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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