Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the SP-Star RedBlue 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 RedBlue offer unique experiences for users. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch beloved for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switch is favored for its medium-light typing feel and relatively low-pitched sound profile. Each switch has its own set of characteristics: the V3 Lavender Purple Pro being accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, while the RedBlue is low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. If you're looking for a switch that offers a tactile typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother, linear feel, the RedBlue switch could be the better choice. Nonetheless, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
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 RedBlue, we can see that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboards. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches things up with a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the crisper sound of polycarbonate. This provides a different tactile experience for users compared to the consistent polycarbonate housing of the RedBlue.
While both keyboards benefit from the stiffer and more resonant qualities of polycarbonate in their top housing, the contrasting bottom housings affect the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a dampening effect, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This could be preferred by those looking for a quieter typing experience with a deeper feel to the keys. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the RedBlue maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile found in the top housing. This creates a more consistent typing experience throughout the keyboard, with a focus on clarity and resonance in both the bottom-out sound and the release sound of the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the SP-Star RedBlue will come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the different bottom housing materials provide unique typing experiences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing, while the RedBlue maintains a consistent sharp and crisp sound profile with polycarbonate throughout. Whether you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a dampened sound or a more defined and sharp sound profile, these keyboards offer different qualities to suit your preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Lavender Purple Pro being 55 grams and the RedBlue being 57 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter keystroke may lean towards the Lavender Purple Pro, while those who prefer a slightly heavier typing experience may opt for the RedBlue switch. In terms of weight, the Lavender Purple Pro would be considered the lighter option, making it suitable for longer typing periods, while the RedBlue provides a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience.
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 RedBlue linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its faster input recognition. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel, as its longer travel distance provides a deeper press. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific feel each individual is looking for in a switch.
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 RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 that provides a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switch provides a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow in comparison. Depending on your preference for sound, the Lavender Purple Pro switch may offer a more distinct and vibrant typing experience, while the RedBlue switch may provide a more subtle and calming sound during use.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as offering an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience. This means that the switch provides a medium level of tactility, along with a spring-like feedback and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switch is described as offering a mild and polished typing experience. This suggests a gentle typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on your preference for tactility and key feel, the Lavender Purple Pro switch may provide a more lively and responsive typing experience, while the RedBlue switch may offer a more subtle and refined feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch and the SP-Star RedBlue switch offer different sound profiles and typing feels to cater to a variety of preferences. If you enjoy a higher-pitched sound and a more accentuated tactile response, the Lavender Purple Pro switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched sound and a mild typing experience, the RedBlue switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance in their own unique ways, providing a delightful typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a satisfying tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch with a low-pitched sound profile, the RedBlue switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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