Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the tactile delight of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the innovative feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding. The Lavender Purple Pro switches are celebrated for their higher-pitched sound profile and distinct tactile bump, providing a bouncy and snappy response that many typists crave for a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches excel with their smooth operation and deeper tonal quality, catering to those who prioritize precision and versatility, especially with their full compatibility with Wooting's unique keyboards. While both switches offer compelling features for different typing preferences—whether you're after a polished tactile feedback or a seamless, refined performance—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, which yields a distinct sound profile. The polycarbonate's properties enable both switches to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience due to its stiffness. This characteristic not only enhances sound clarity but also makes the switches particularly appealing for users who favor RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion. In this regard, both switches exhibit similar results in terms of sound quality and visual aesthetics, making either choice a strong contender for those seeking enhanced auditory feedback paired with visual appeal.
In contrast, the two switches diverge in their bottom housing materials. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing that lends a deeper and fuller sound profile to the switch. Nylon, being a softer plastic, possesses excellent sound absorption qualities which contribute to a more muted and rounded auditory experience when the switch bottoms out. Similarly, the Everglide Rice Pudding employs nylon for its bottom housing, producing a similar sound profile. The commonality in their materials allows both switches to maintain a cohesive auditory experience, though the overall tactile response may differ based on the unique design and tuning of each switch.
Ultimately, when considering the performance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding, the division of qualities between the housing materials plays a pivotal role. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches emphasizes the high-pitched sound during key release, showcasing the crispness of the auditory response, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a more rounded sound experience upon actuation. This synergy between materials means that users can expect a similar auditory response from both switches, despite the variances in their overall designs. Whether one chooses the Akko V3 or the Everglide Rice Pudding, the balance between the sharper high notes and the fuller lows promises to satisfy enthusiasts seeking rich soundscapes in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option that will require more effort to press compared to the lighter Rice Pudding switch, which has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This difference means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter feel and extended typing sessions might find the Rice Pudding switch more comfortable, while those who favor a more substantial push feel might lean towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Overall, the V3 switch is heavier, offering a firmer response, whereas the Rice Pudding is lighter and may facilitate longer usage without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we find that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Rice Pudding features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Lavender Purple Pro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke and a deeper typing feel, making it suitable for those who prefer hearty depth over rapid response. Conversely, the Rice Pudding, with its reduced travel distance, might attract gamers or typists who favor quick response times and a more immediate feel when pressing keys. Therefore, if you are seeking a switch that offers a quicker actuation for gaming or fast typing tasks, the Everglide Rice Pudding is the preferable option, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress will likely lean towards the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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
The sound characteristics of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch are defined by a higher-pitched sound profile, which delivers a crisp and cheerful auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable. This distinct sound, coupled with the tactile feedback, enhances the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel more engaging. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is noted for its deep sound, contributing to a more subdued auditory experience. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, they cater to different preferences for enthusiasts, depending on whether one enjoys a brighter sound or a deeper, more resonant tone. It's important to remember that sound perception can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, so the experience may vary.
In terms of feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized by its medium tactile response, described as accented, providing a noticeable tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor overly subtle. The switch is also bouncy, offering a spring-like sensation that gives a lively rebound, making typing feel energetic and responsive. Additionally, the snappy nature of this switch makes it very responsive, thanks to features like longer or dual-staged springs, leading to an overall polished typing experience. On the other hand, the feel qualities of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch are not explicitly defined in the available information. However, given its reputation for smooth operation, one could infer that it offers a different typing sensation, potentially more linear or effortless compared to the tactile experience of the Akko switch.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences. If you prefer a brighter, more tactile typing experience with a responsive and lively feel, the Lavender Purple Pro is an excellent choice. However, if you're drawn to a deeper sound and smooth operation, the Rice Pudding switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice will depend on the qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch, as they both promise to deliver satisfaction to various typing preferences.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, your choice largely depends on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and the overall typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-light actuation force combined with a tactile bump that strikes a perfect balance between noticeable feedback without being overwhelming, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is your go-to option. Its higher-pitched sound profile and accented, bouncy feel provide an engaging and lively typing experience, making it ideal for both typists and gamers who appreciate a hint of tactility. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth operation, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch would be more suited to your needs. Its quiet deep sound and seamless action cater well to those who seek precision and performance, especially if you're considering a keyboard that utilizes the unique capabilities offered by Wooting’s technology. Ultimately, your selection should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and a more pronounced keystroke or a whisper-soft, smooth experience paired with adaptability.