Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray offer distinct typing experiences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that provides a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, making it a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts for its bouncy and snappy feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is a linear switch known for a clean and clacky sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a neutral and mild 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for each keyboard. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboards. However, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro also features a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Polaris Gray utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharp and clear sound profile established by the top housing.
Despite differences in bottom housing materials, both keyboards provide unique typing experiences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference can be felt in the typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys. On the other hand, the top housing material, polycarbonate in both cases, influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials contributes to the overall sound profile and tactile experience of the keyboards, with each material offering distinct benefits.
While the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the SP-Star Polaris Gray share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound profile, offering a different typing experience compared to the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing. The differences in housing materials demonstrate how subtle variations can impact the overall sound and feel of a keyboard, allowing users to choose a keyboard that best suits their preferences in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback. Ultimately, both keyboards offer unique typing experiences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in keyboard design.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it's evident that there's a difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Polaris Gray's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Polaris Gray is heavier at 67 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro measures at 55 grams. This means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a medium-light typing feel, ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Polaris Gray offers a medium-heavy typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more substantial push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Polaris Gray being closer to the standard 4.0 mm mark, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly shallower feel. Gamers may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its quicker response times due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more robust key press may opt for the Polaris Gray with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 with a satisfying tactile bump, contributing to a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as having a low-pitched and clean sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offering a more distinctive and tactile sound, while the Polaris Gray provides a clean and clacky typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized by its accented, bouncy, and snappy feel, offering a medium tactile experience with a spring-like feedback sensation. Additionally, the switch is polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a safe middle-ground feel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offering a more lively and tactile feel compared to the Polaris Gray.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump and an accented, bouncy feel, while the Polaris Gray switch offers a low-pitched and clean sound profile with a mild and polished feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a combination of distinctive sound profiles and responsive tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a delightful typing experience, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clean, bouncy typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch would be a better option. Consider your preference for key feel and sound profile when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Choose based on what feels best for your typing style and needs.
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