Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red offer distinct qualities for keyboard enthusiasts to consider. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch known for its higher-pitched sound profile, satisfying tactile bump, and characteristics such as being accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red is a linear switch that maintains the classic feel of the MX Red but with the added feature of operating silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Categorized as muted, thocky, low-pitched, and textured, the MX Silent Red provides a quiet typing experience without sacrificing satisfaction. Both switches have their unique advantages, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your keyboard preference.
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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red both feature nylon bottom housings, which means that they will both provide a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to the fact that nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While the top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Cherry MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which will elicit a deeper and fuller sound as well. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound produced.
However, where the two switches differ is in the material used for their top housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red produces a deeper and fuller sound. This means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may offer a more clear and resonant sound profile, particularly when using RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red will provide a more rounded and dull sound, which some users may prefer for a quieter typing experience.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share the deeper and fuller sound characteristics of their nylon bottom housings, offering a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we find that they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Cherry MX Silent Red does not specify a bottom out force. This makes the V3 Lavender Purple Pro on the lighter end in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force of both switches being the same means that the typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes will be similar between the two. When considering weight, some may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for longer typing sessions due to its lighter bottom out force, while others may opt for the Cherry MX Silent Red for a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to more traditional switches. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red for quick response times, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel despite the slight variance.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile, providing a pleasant auditory experience for users who enjoy a more acute tone. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch produces a muted and low-pitched sound, significantly reducing the noise generated during typing sessions. The MX Silent Red switch's thocky sound profile offers a deep and satisfying auditory feedback, ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on the user's preference for sound profile, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offering a higher-pitched experience and the MX Silent Red providing a quieter alternative.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers an accented, bouncy, and snappy typing experience, characterized by a medium level of tactility and a spring-like feedback. The polished finish of these switches ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction during key presses. This characteristic may appeal to users who prefer a slight resistance in their keystrokes. The MX Silent Red switch maintains a slightly heftier feel similar to the MX Red, offering a consistent and responsive typing experience.
Considering all available information, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch appeals to users who enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, accented feel, the MX Silent Red switch caters to individuals seeking a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured and responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, ensuring that both options can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch or the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a tactile typing experience with a satisfying bump and a higher-pitched sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a silent typing experience without sacrificing the responsiveness and smoothness of a linear switch, the MX Silent Red is the better option for you. Consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard, your desired sound profile, and the level of tactility you prefer when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs and preferences, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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