Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that delights enthusiasts with its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, making each keystroke feel snappy and responsive. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of feedback with each press, ensuring an engaging typing experience that can enhance both productivity and enjoyment. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a linear switch that provides a smooth and seamless keystroke, creating a "thocky" sound profile. This smoothness is perfect for users who prioritize quiet operation and fluid key presses, making it a great choice for both gaming and typing without disturbing those around you. Each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to specific user preferences; 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
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilize different materials for their top housing, which significantly impacts their sound profiles. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness. This material leads to a more resonant audio experience, making it suitable for those who appreciate crisp and clear keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is equipped with a POM top housing, which results in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the polycarbonate can amplify the higher frequencies, the POM brings forward a more rounded audio experience, showcasing the uniqueness of each type of housing.
When examining the bottom housings of these switches, the differences between materials play a crucial role in the overall sound characteristics. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro incorporates a nylon bottom housing, traditionally recognized for generating a fuller sound that absorbs sound better than harder plastics. This contributes to a smoother and quieter experience when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie also utilizes a POM bottom housing, which claims to create a similarly muted sound profile. While both the Sea Salt Smoothie and V3 Lavender Purple Pro have distinct top housings, the use of POM for the Sea Salt Smoothie and nylon for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro will result in different user experiences, particularly when keypresses are made or released.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials within the respective switches influences their sound dynamics and tactile feedback. The distinct designs—polycarbonate paired with nylon in the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and two POM housings in the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie—highlight how the materials define each switch's character. Despite their differing top housing materials, key users may find similarities in sound resonance between the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom and the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom, both delivering a deep and muted acoustic effect when pressing down on them. Thus, while both switches are crafted from different materials, those with a preference for unique auditory experiences and tactile feedback can still achieve satisfying results, albeit delivered through different pathways.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that cater to distinct user preferences. The Lavender Purple Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered medium-light, alongside a bottom out force of 55 grams. This lighter actuation force can be advantageous for those who require extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has an actuation force of 48 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Lavender Purple Pro. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, which leaves some uncertainty about the overall typing experience it provides. Users who prefer a firmer typing feel may lean towards the Gateron switch, whereas those seeking a lighter touch might find the Akko switch more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation weight and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the two demonstrate a slight variation. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, categorizing it as the shorter switch. This small difference can impact the typing experience; those who favor a more responsive feel may lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie for its slightly shorter throw, which can facilitate quicker key presses commonly sought after in gaming scenarios. Conversely, if one appreciates a more defined feel and depth in their keystrokes, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the better choice due to its longer travel distance. Thus, while both switches are designed with performance in mind, the 0.1 mm difference could influence personal preferences based on typing style and comfort.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 V3 Lavender Purple Pro produces a higher-pitched sound profile, which often leads to a more cheerful and lively auditory experience when typing. This can provide a satisfying feedback loop during use, particularly in a quieter environment where the distinct sound of each keystroke is more notable. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a "thocky" sound profile, which is typically deeper and more resonant, creating a more substantial acoustic experience. This sound can provide a satisfying auditory cue that many users find pleasing, especially in a setting where noise levels are more forgiving. It's essential to remember that sound perception can be influenced by factors like the choice of the keyboard case and keycaps, so individual experiences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized by its accented tactile nature, providing a medium level of tactility that strikes a balance between being overly aggressive and too understated. It feels bouncy and gives a lively feedback sensation, enhancing the overall experience by allowing a responsive, snappy bounce that feels invigorating with every keystroke. The luxurious touch is further complemented by a polished finish, which minimizes friction and contributes to a sleek typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is crafted to deliver an exceptionally smooth feel, designed to glide effortlessly with minimal friction, but specific descriptors regarding its tactile response and overall feedback are not provided. Thus, while the feel of the Smoothie may be agreeable, it's harder to directly compare its tactile qualities to those of the Lavender Purple Pro.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer distinct sound and feel characteristics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Lavender Purple Pro's higher-pitched sound and pronounced tactile response provide an engaging typing experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a deeper acoustic profile paired with smooth keystrokes. When selecting a switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and trying both options may yield the best decision for your typing style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more engaged typing experience characterized by tactile feedback, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams paired with a delightful tactile bump creates a lively and responsive feel, perfect for typists who appreciate a tactile sensation without being overly pronounced. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a strong contender. Known for its silky smooth operation and thocky sound profile, it's ideal for those who prefer a straightforward linear switch for gaming or fast typing. Ultimately, consider what you value more: the satisfying tactile feedback of the Lavender Purple Pro or the effortless smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie. By aligning your choice with your typing preferences and usage scenarios, you'll be better equipped to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
