Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Red 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 Red are two popular options that offer unique characteristics for different typing preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that is known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red is a linear switch with a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a thocky and textured typing experience. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be preferred for its accented and polished feel, the MX Red may be favored for its low-pitched and robust 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Red, we can see that they both feature nylon as a material for their bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also incorporates polycarbonate in its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the MX Red's nylon top housing. This difference in materials leads to a more resonant and clear sound when typing on the V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
When it comes to aesthetics, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers the advantage of translucency, which is especially useful for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red's nylon top housing does not provide this feature. While both switches have nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's use of different materials for the top and bottom housing allows for a more nuanced typing experience with distinct sound profiles when pressing down and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red's consistent use of nylon throughout the housing may provide a more consistent typing experience.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Red offer distinct sound profiles and aesthetic features. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's incorporation of polycarbonate in the top housing provides a sharper and clearer sound profile, especially suited for RGB lighting effects. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red's consistent use of nylon throughout may result in a more uniform typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetic characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, one can see several differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Cherry MX Red's 45 grams as well. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is slightly heavier at 55 grams, while the Cherry MX Red's bottom out force is not specified. This means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would provide a more noticeable resistance when typing, offering a tactile feedback, while the Cherry MX Red would be smoother and possibly easier to bottom out. Both switches have the same actuation force, but the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is slightly heavier when it comes to bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offering a medium-light resistance and the Cherry MX Red providing a lighter, possibly smoother typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Cherry MX Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch. The difference may be minimal, but it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Cherry MX Red switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so it ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 compared to the Cherry MX Red switch, which is known for its deeper and more robust sound. The Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a delightful auditory experience with a satisfying tactile bump, while the MX Red switch delivers a thocky and low-pitched sound that adds a sense of depth to the typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a combination of accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities, providing a medium tactile feedback that's not overwhelming or subtle. This switch also gives a bouncy and lively feel with a smooth and refined finish, enhancing the typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, indicating noticeable friction when pressed, which can appeal to users who prefer a slightly rougher typing sensation.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch stands out for its higher-pitched sound profile and accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, offering a delightful typing experience for enthusiasts. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its deeper sound and textured feel, providing a robust typing experience with a slightly heftier touch. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different keyboard users seeking either a more tactile or linear typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to individual preference in sound, feel, and overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-light bottom out force, a higher-pitched sound profile, and a satisfying tactile bump, then the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heftier feel, a deeper sound profile, and a smooth typing experience, then the Cherry MX Red linear switch might be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider your own typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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