Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to specific preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is praised for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry stands out for its sharp tactile bump, perfect for those who prefer a sharp typing feel with a lower-than-average sound frequency. While the Lavender Purple Pro is described as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Blueberry is labeled as 'Snappy', 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Stiff'. 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
80g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, we see that they both have unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro uses polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the top housing materials differ, both switches offer a pleasing sound profile, albeit with different tonal qualities.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, we see that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the NovelKeys Blueberry also features a POM bottom housing, enhancing the switch's overall sound profile with a deeper and more muted tone. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry will come down to individual preferences for sound profiles. While both switches offer distinct qualities in their housing materials, such as polycarbonate and POM, they ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate housing or a deeper and more muted tone with the NovelKeys Blueberry's POM housing, both switches offer high-quality components that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro requires 55 grams compared to the NovelKeys Blueberry's heavier 80 grams. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a medium-light typing experience, which may be preferred by those looking for a more gentle touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry provides a heavier and more substantial typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on individual preferences, with lighter forces for extended use and heavier forces for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's personal typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances for mechanical switches. Gamers may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide faster response times. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper press may prefer the NovelKeys Blueberry with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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
When comparing the sound of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches, the Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Blueberry switches have a lower than average sound frequency with a clean and sharp resonant profile. The Lavender Purple Pro may provide a more vibrant and lively typing experience with its higher pitch, whereas the Blueberry switches may offer a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lavender Purple Pro is described as having an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. This means that the switch provides a medium amount of tactility, a spring-like feedback sensation, super responsiveness, and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Blueberry switches are noted for their snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff feel. These switches offer a super responsive typing experience, smooth and fluid keystrokes, noticeable friction, pronounced feedback, and a higher actuation force. Both switches seem to provide an immersive and satisfying typing sensation for users who prefer tactile switches.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender Purple Pro may appeal to those looking for a higher-pitched sound profile with lively tactile feedback, while the Blueberry switches cater to users who enjoy a smoother typing experience with pronounced feedback and higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options promising a satisfying typing experience in their own ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier bottom out force with a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch might be more to your liking. Consider your typing preferences and the specific features of each switch to make an informed decision that will enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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