Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer different experiences to cater to various preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth typing feel due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. It offers a more neutral and mild typing experience suited for those looking for a quieter option. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their stiffness. This material is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while they share this common material for their top housings, they differ in their bottom housings. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon also uses a nylon bottom housing, highlighting a similar sound profile with a duller and rounder tone.
While both switches share the polycarbonate top housing material known for producing a clear and resonant sound, the differences in their nylon bottom housings can lead to variations in the overall sound experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding a unique characteristic to the typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a similar deep and full sound, showcasing a parallel sound profile that caters to those who prefer a softer sound tone. Despite the differences in their construction materials, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience that can cater to a range of preferences.
Overall, the choice between the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon may come down to personal preferences in sound profiles. While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing in creating a sharper and crisper sound, the variation in their nylon bottom housings offers a unique typing experience. Whether you prefer a stiffer or softer sound tone, both switches provide a solid foundation for a tactile and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, both have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is slightly heavier at 55 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams. Despite this difference, both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of force. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the better option as it has a slightly lighter bottom out force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more resistance might lean towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which falls on the shorter end of the spectrum. In comparison, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them favorable for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly shorter key press compared to the Sea Salt Lemon. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance - a more abrupt feel with the shorter V3 Lavender Purple Pro, or a slightly more substantial press with the Sea Salt Lemon.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences in sound and feel. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a low-pitched sound with a buttery smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. The feel of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, giving it a lively and refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience suitable for a wider range of users. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that both switches will provide a quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch or the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, you should take into account your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched and buttery smooth typing experience with a linear switch, the Sea Salt Lemon may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you prefer, whether it be the accented, bouncy, and polished feel of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, or the mild and neutral feel of the Sea Salt Lemon. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so make sure to consider your personal preferences before making a decision.
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