Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly shape your typing experience, making it essential to understand their distinct characteristics. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, is renowned for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, delivering a bouncy and snappy feel that keyboard enthusiasts often find delightful. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy feedback while typing, enhancing both accuracy and enjoyment in every keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea, a linear switch, stands out with its impressively smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, ideal for users who prefer a quieter, unimpeded flow that prioritizes fluidity over tactile feedback. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Lavender Purple V3 is perfect for those seeking engagement and tactile response, while the Orange Sea is suited for individuals who want a seamless and tranquil 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This commonality results in a similar sound profile during key releases, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, allows for a clear and resonant sound that enhances the auditory feedback when RGB lighting is involved, thanks to its translucence. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from this material, making them visually appealing while providing excellent performance, particularly for users who appreciate vibrant lighting effects.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which further unifies their overall sound and feel characteristics. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing due to its relatively softer structure. This material absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer plastics, resulting in a muffled and round tone during key presses. Consequently, the combination of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches means that the bottom-out sound and feel will exhibit similar characteristics, providing a consistent experience regardless of which switch is used in a mechanical keyboard.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea utilize different materials for their bottom housings, their similarities in top housing composition create a cohesive auditory experience during both keypresses and releases. Users can expect a markedly similar performance when typing, given that both sets harness the advantages of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective configurations. This thoughtful engineering ensures that both switches deliver a balanced blend of clarity and warmth, making either choice suitable for enthusiasts seeking quality and consistency in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch to the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, significant differences in both actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, marking it as a light switch. This difference means that while the Lavender Purple Pro provides a more substantial feedback with a heavier feel during use, the Orange Sea facilitates easier keystrokes, which may be preferable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, those who favor a lighter switch for comfort should lean towards the Haimu Orange Sea, while those who appreciate a firmer push should opt for the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we find that the former has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the latter measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a bit more depth in each keystroke, which can be appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Orange Sea could provide a quicker response, making it a better choice for gamers seeking rapid key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, as those who favor deeper keystrokes may gravitate towards the Lavender Purple Pro, while those prioritizing responsiveness might prefer the Orange Sea.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 switches produce a delightful, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic creates an engaging auditory experience while typing, particularly appreciated by enthusiasts who enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback with each keystroke. The Haimu Orange Sea switches, on the other hand, are known for their neutral sound signature, which is generally quieter and less pronounced than the Lavender Purple. The sound profile of the Orange Sea switches can contribute to a more subdued typing environment, making them suitable for settings where noise may be a concern. It's worth noting that the overall sound experience can also be affected significantly by the choice of keyboard case and keycap materials.
When considering the feel of these switches, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a well-rounded tactile option. Described as "medium tactile," these switches provide an accented tactile bump that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle. They also feature a bouncy sensation, giving a lively and responsive feedback with each press. Additionally, the snappy nature of the switch contributes to an engaging and invigorating typing experience. The polished finish enhances this sensation, offering a smooth key travel that can further elevate the overall experience. In contrast, the feel of the Haimu Orange Sea switches is characterized by an impeccably smooth typing experience, providing linear travel that eliminates any tactile feedback. This smoothness can be ideal for those who prefer rapid key presses and may not need the tactile satisfaction that the Lavender Purple Pro provides.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Haimu Orange Sea switches present distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Lavender Purple Pro excels with its tactile feedback and engaging sound, appealing to those who appreciate a more dynamic typing experience. Meanwhile, the Haimu Orange Sea offers a neutral sound and an exceptionally smooth linear feel that is perfect for fast typists or gamers seeking seamless key travel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, and you may find that experimenting with different switches can lead to a customized keyboard experience that perfectly suits your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-light feel with a tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is an excellent match for you. It offers a satisfying response with its prominent tactility and bouncy feedback, making it perfect for users who appreciate a lively typing experience while still enjoying a higher-pitched sound profile. This switch is ideal for those who type for extended periods or engage in heavy gaming sessions, as the tactile feedback can make every keystroke feel more engaging and precise. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother, more neutral sound, the Haimu Orange Sea would be the better choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless key presses, making it particularly suited for rapid typing or gaming where speed is essential. If you value a clean and uninterrupted feel without the distraction of tactility, the Orange Sea's smoothness could enhance your overall workflow. Therefore, consider what aspects of a switch are most important to you in your day-to-day use, as both options cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
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