Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Cherry MX Orange present distinct options that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is celebrated for its unique sound profile and tactile feedback, offering a bouncy and snappy experience that many enthusiasts find rewarding during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, a linear switch, emphasizes smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps or audible clicks, making it a preferred choice for users seeking a quieter experience for both typing and gaming. While the tactile nature of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may appeal to those who enjoy a pronounced response with each keystroke, the seamless action of the MX Orange serves those who prioritize speed and fluidity. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Orange represent a notable disparity in the upper and lower configurations, impacting their overall sound profiles. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity and translucency. This material is known to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound, resulting in a clearer and more resonant typing experience. Such qualities make it particularly appealing for users who enjoy RGB lighting setups, as the clear polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the MX Orange employs a nylon top housing, which contributes to its deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more efficiently, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience that contrasts with the crisper sounds generated by polycarbonate.
Examining their lower housing components reveals a different aspect of their design — both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity gives them a shared characteristic of providing a more profound sound quality, enhancing the bottom-out feel and sound when keys are pressed down. The nylon’s ability to absorb sound leads to a consistent acoustic result between both switch types, emphasizing the fuller auditory sensation they both offer when the key is actuated. Therefore, while the top housings produce distinctly different auditory effects—sharp and clear from polycarbonate and deep and rounded from nylon—the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing allows both switches to achieve similar depth and resonance during key presses.
The overall sound experience of typing on either switch, therefore, illustrates how different materials interact within the same unit. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro capitalizes on the polycarbonate's acoustic clarity for the key release, while the MX Orange's nylon top maintains a softer sound profile throughout. The impacts of these housing materials are compartmentalized: the top housing mostly influences the sound upon key release, while the bottom housing impacts the actuation feedback. Consequently, despite their contrasting upper housings, the dual use of nylon in both switch designs ensures that users will experience a consistent depth of sound during key presses. In a way, each switch offers a unique typographical experience rooted in the combination of materials, catering to diverse user preferences in tactile feedback and sound aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces highlight distinct preferences in tactile feedback. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option that is beneficial for prolonged typing and gaming sessions due to its lighter touch. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams but lacks specified bottom out force data, making it more substantial in resistance. This difference indicates that the Akko switch is lighter and may provide a more comfortable experience for those who type for extended periods, while the Cherry MX Orange offers a stronger push feel that appeals to users seeking a more tactile engagement. Without the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange, it is difficult to fully assess its impact on overall typing experience, but it can be inferred that it may present a different feedback sensation compared to the definitive forces of the Akko switch.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Akko switch has a shorter actuation distance, which can provide a more responsive feel, especially beneficial for gamers seeking quick response times. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more pronounced and substantial typing experience for those who appreciate deeper keystrokes. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and responsiveness, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a more immediate response, whereas the Cherry MX Orange presents a more traditional and deeper key press.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 offers a higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the auditory experience while typing. This distinct sound adds a tactile dimension to keystrokes, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate the acoustic feedback from their mechanical keyboards. While the specific sound characteristics of the Cherry MX Orange switch are not outlined, it is known that sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard and keycap choices. Therefore, both switches provide unique auditory experiences that can be influenced by external factors.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized by an assortment of engaging qualities. It has an accented tactile bump that provides a medium-level response without being overwhelming or too subtle, making it great for typists who prefer a notable tactile feedback. Additionally, the switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like sensation that results in a lively typing experience, while being snappy ensures fast response times. The polished finish of these switches contributes to a smooth and refined key travel, enhancing overall satisfaction. In contrast, while the exact feel of the MX Orange is not specified, it is essential to note that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a more complex tactile experience that might appeal more to users who prioritize tactility in their typing.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers a delightful auditory and tactile experience, marked by its higher-pitched sound, medium tactile feedback, springy feel, responsiveness, and smooth operation. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Orange switch presents an unknown sound profile but is generally recognized for its enhanced functionality. For switch enthusiasts, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is likely to provide a more nuanced tactile experience, while sound output will depend on the keyboard setup with both switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two may come down to personal preference, especially for those who value a dynamic experience in tactile feedback and sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, your preferences in typing experience and sound should guide your choice. If you enjoy a tactile feedback while typing that strikes a balance between being prominent yet not overwhelming, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be an excellent pick. Its medium-light actuation force and snappy, bouncy feel can enhance both your typing speed and comfort, making it suitable for long hours of use. Additionally, the higher-pitched sound profile adds an engaging auditory element to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear feel with less tactile feedback, then the Cherry MX Orange switch might be more to your liking, especially if you appreciate a more subtle response to key presses. While it lacks detailed descriptors in this analysis, most Cherry MX switches are well-regarded for their reliability and performance. In summary, choose the Lavender Purple Pro for a vibrant tactile experience and an enjoyable sound, or opt for the Cherry MX Orange if you seek a straightforward, linear typing feel. Tailor your choice to what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you in your daily typing activities.
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