Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch to the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it's evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Lavender Purple V3 switches provide a bouncy and snappy typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Oil Kings offer a creamy and silky smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile and buttery smoothness, perfect for those who prefer linear switches. 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
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Oil King, one can see that they both utilize nylon in their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Oil King features a nylon top housing for a deeper and fuller sound experience. This contrast showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound produced by a switch.
On the other hand, when examining the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing and bottom housing, it becomes apparent that the switch is designed to provide a clear and resonant sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper sound when pressing down on the switch, while the softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing creates a fuller sound upon bottoming out. In comparison, the Gateron Oil King utilizes a proprietary INK blend bottom housing for a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, along with a nylon top housing for a deeper and fuller sound experience. These differences highlight how the choice of housing material can influence the overall sound characteristics of a switch.
Overall, while both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Oil King feature nylon in their bottom housing, their choice of top housing material sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the Oil King's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches demonstrate how the combination of materials in the top and bottom housings can affect the overall sound produced, illustrating the importance of housing materials in keyboard switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Oil King linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would require less force to trigger a keystroke, making it easier on the fingers during long typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also has a lighter force of 55 grams, while the Oil King has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This indicates that the Oil King would provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher force required to press all the way down. Overall, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a lighter typing experience, while the Gateron Oil King provides a heavier and more tactile feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Oil King linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quick response times. On the other hand, the Oil King switch provides a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether you value a shorter or longer travel distance for your typing or gaming needs.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound. The Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a more distinct and sharp noise during key presses, creating a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Oil King switch delivers a smoother and deeper tone, reminiscent of a luxurious and satisfying keystroke. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished tactile sensation. This means that the switch provides a medium level of tactility with a noticeable feedback that is neither too strong nor too subtle. The keys feel lively and responsive, giving a polished and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King switch offers a creamy, silky, buttery, and polished linear feel. These switches are known for their smooth and buttery keystrokes, allowing for effortless typing with minimal resistance. The keys feel like they effortlessly glide under your fingers, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Taking all the information into consideration, it is clear that the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Gateron Oil King switches provide distinct and enjoyable typing experiences. While the Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a higher-pitched sound and a more tactile feel, the Oil King switch delivers a lower-pitched sound and a smoother linear feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience that the user is looking for. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with tactile feedback or a smoother sound with linear keystrokes, both switches offer high-quality performance that will enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the specific qualities you are looking for in a switch. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and prioritize a smooth, buttery feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Oil King could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preferences such as typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
