Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Quinn both stand out as excellent options for enthusiasts seeking a tactile typing experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is praised for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, offering a delightful typing experience with attributes such as being 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Quinn switches provide a unique blend of crisp tactility and deep, resonant sound due to their specially designed nylon housings, characterized by qualities like 'Snappy', 'Bassy', 'Polished', 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Accented', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'Low-pitched', and 'Resonant'. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, making them desirable choices for various users. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Quinn, one key difference is the use of polycarbonate versus nylon. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Quinn features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contrast in housing materials leads to distinct auditory experiences for users of each switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Quinn utilize nylon for this component. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound to create a duller and rounder sound. The similarity in bottom housing material between these two switches indicates that users can expect comparable sound experiences when pressing down on the keys, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch.
When considering how the qualities of the housing materials are distributed within each switch, it becomes clear that the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when a key is released. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the softer nylon top housing of the Gateron Quinn, each housing material contributes unique characteristics to the overall typing experience for users of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes swiftly. In contrast, the Quinn offers a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, providing a more substantial push feel. When it comes to bottom out force, the Lavender Purple Pro requires 55 grams to fully press down, whereas the Quinn needs 67 grams for the same effect. This makes the Quinn a medium-heavy option compared to the medium-light Lavender Purple Pro. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference, with lighter switches being ideal for long typing sessions and heavier switches for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches will provide users with distinct typing experiences tailored to their preferences.
Travel distance
In comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we find that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Quinn has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for their faster response times, especially among gamers. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a little more depth in its travel distance, which can provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
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 Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 known for its higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is characterized by a deep and resonant sound profile, offering a rich and immersive auditory experience with each keystroke. While the Lavender Purple Pro switch may provide a more pronounced tactile bump, the Quinn switch stands out for its unique bassy and clacky sound, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile, with the Lavender Purple Pro offering a higher-pitched sound and the Quinn providing a deeper and more resonant tone. Additionally, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Quinn switches offer a similar experience. The Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium level of tactility with a smooth and refined finish. The Quinn switch shares similar qualities, being snappy, polished, bouncy, and accented, offering a responsive typing experience with a spring-like feedback sensation and reduced friction for smooth key travel. Additionally, the Quinn switch introduces buttery and creamy descriptors, suggesting a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Overall, both switches offer a satisfying tactile feel with a good balance between tactility and smoothness, making them suitable choices for typists who enjoy a refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Gateron Quinn tactile switches each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender Purple Pro switch excels in providing a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, while the Quinn switch stands out for its deep and resonant sound with smooth and buttery keystrokes. For typists looking for a more pronounced tactile bump and higher-pitched sound, the Lavender Purple Pro switch may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those seeking a deeper and more immersive sound experience with a smooth and fluid typing sensation may find the Gateron Quinn switch more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences in sound and feel, but both options offer a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams and 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 of 67 grams and a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility with a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch might be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the overall typing experience you aim to achieve.
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