Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often hinges on personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profiles, making the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Akko Rosewood two distinct contenders worth exploring. The Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch beloved for its higher-pitched sound, satisfying tactile bump, and overall polished feel that brings an exciting, bouncy typing experience to enthusiasts who favor feedback in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Rosewood switch, a linear option, is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound, enhanced by a layer of factory-applied lubricant, offering a smooth, uninterrupted stroke that appeals to those who prefer minimal resistance and noise during typing. Each switch provides a unique appeal: the Lavender Purple Pro for those seeking interaction and feedback, and the Rosewood for users who desire a quiet, seamless 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
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Akko Rosewood utilize distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic characteristics and overall typing experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a top housing made from polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This composition contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is particularly resonant, making it well-suited for setups that incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the Rosewood opts for a nylon top housing, a material that offers a softer and more absorbent quality. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, producing a rounder audio experience that many typists find more appealing for comfort and noise reduction. The difference in top housing materials thus leads to varied auditory outcomes that cater to different user preferences.
Both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Rosewood incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, providing a consistent characteristic that enhances their lower sound profiles. Nylon's softer composition allows for sound absorption, leading to a dulled and rounded acoustic signature upon bottoming out. This consistency means that while the tops of the switches will produce contrasting sound profiles due to their differing materials, both switches will create a similar deeper sound when pressed down. This shared feature of nylon in the bottom housing allows both switches to deliver a richer, fuller acoustic feedback, ensuring that typists enjoy a satisfying response regardless of the differing upper housings.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top housing and the shared nylon bottom housing creates a hybrid experience for users of both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Rosewood switches. While the Lavendar Purple Pro's polycarbonate top emphasizes clarity and a high-pitched resonance, the Rosewood's nylon top focuses on warmth and depth, leading to a distinctly different experience during the key release phase. However, the nylon bottoms anchor both switches with a common tonal richness and sound dampening, ensuring that both models still provide a fulfilling and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with their unique profiles distinctly audible in each keystroke. Thus, users looking for specific sound characteristics can find satisfaction in either switch depending on their preferences for top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Rosewood switch is lighter, featuring an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the Rosewood switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may appreciate the heavier actuation of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. While both switches provide a tactile experience, the differences in their weights suggest that the Rosewood switch may offer a more forgiving feel for long periods of use, whereas the V3 Lavender may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback intended for users who prefer that extra resistance.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Rosewood switch offers a bit more depth when pressed compared to the Lavender Purple Pro. Gamers who favor quicker response times may lean towards the V3 Lavender, appreciating its shorter travel distance, which allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keystroke and a more pronounced feedback may find the longer travel of the Rosewood switch to be more satisfying. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you value responsiveness or depth in your typing experience.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch produces a higher-pitched, more pronounced sound due to its tactile bump, which might be pleasing to those who enjoy a clearer auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch stands out with its deeper, thocky sound profile that is further enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, providing a richer auditory experience. While both switches provide an engaging sound, the choice between the two will largely depend on individual preferences for higher or lower pitch tones.
In terms of feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is recognized for its tactile and bouncy characteristics. This switch strikes a balance with its medium tactile feedback, offering a prominent yet not overpowering bump that adds to the enjoyable typing experience. The bounciness contributes an elastic sensation upon keystrokes, making each press feel lively and responsive, further complemented by a polished finish that enhances smoothness and reduces friction. The feel of the Rosewood switch, while not explicitly described here, is traditionally expected to be linear, suggesting a smooth consistency throughout the keystroke without the tactile bump found in the Lavender Purple Pro. This difference makes the Rosewood more predictable and fluid, suitable for those who prefer a straightforward pressing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Akko Rosewood switches cater to different typing preferences, the decision between the two will largely depend on the desired sound profile and tactile feedback. The Lavender Purple Pro offers a lively, tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched sound, while the Rosewood provides a deeper auditory response with a smooth, linear feel. Depending on your typing style and personal preference for sound and feel, either option can lead to an enjoyable keyboard experience, though they cater distinctly to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a satisfying tactile bump with a higher-pitched sound and a medium-light actuation force, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is an excellent choice. Its "bouncy" and "snappy" characteristics provide a lively, responsive typing experience that is well-suited for both typing and gaming, striking the perfect balance without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a deep, thocky sound and a smooth, refined feel, the Akko Rosewood linear switch might be more to your liking. With its light actuation force and factory-applied lubricant, it promises an exceptionally smooth keystroke that appeals to those who favor a quieter and more fluid typing experience. Therefore, consider what you value more in your keyboard: the delightful tactility and liveliness of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the serene and smooth experience offered by the Rosewood. Making the right choice will enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
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