Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, and the KTT Purple Star, a linear switch, stand out for their unique features. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a satisfying tactile bump with a higher-pitched sound profile, providing a bouncy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star boasts an all-POM construction that delivers a buttery smooth feel with a low-pitched sound signature, making it easy to press for light typists. While the Lavender Purple Pro is characterized as accented and snappy, the Purple Star is mild and easy-to-press. Both switches have their own strengths and reasons to choose them, 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Purple Star, the biggest difference lies in their housing materials. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Purple Star utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both offer unique sound profiles, the choice between them will ultimately depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature. Conversely, the Purple Star boasts a POM bottom housing, mirroring the sound characteristics of its POM top housing with a deeper and more muted sound. Despite the differences in materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles that cater to individual preferences.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the housing materials of both switches play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings allows each material to contribute its unique qualities to different aspects of the typing process. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the deeper, more muted sound of POM in the Purple Star, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that showcases the impact of housing materials on sound profiles. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing feel that each user is looking for.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that the Purple Star is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a medium-light typing experience, while the Purple Star offers a light and more sensitive touch. Both switches have a similar actuation force, which means that users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the KTT Purple Star has the shorter travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. Players looking for a faster response time may prefer the KTT Purple Star with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper press may favor the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound profile, providing a more crisp and bright tone during typing. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch is known for its low-pitched sound signature, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is praised for its accented and bouncy tactile feedback, offering a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. The keys feel snappy and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch is described as mild and easy-to-press, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal force required for key presses. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics for keyboard enthusiasts to consider. The Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched sound profile with accented and bouncy tactile feedback, while the Purple Star offers a low-pitched sound signature and a mild, easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force with a higher-pitched sound profile and prominent tactility, then the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a smooth typing experience and low-pitched sound, then the KTT Purple Star switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your preference for tactility, sound, and typing force will guide you in choosing the mechanical keyboard switch that best fits your typing style and preferences.
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