Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a linear switch. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its delightful combination of features, offering a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, making it a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is praised for its innovative design, providing a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The type feel of the Semi-Silent Linear is described as silky smooth yet not overly polished. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, a significant similarity is found in their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches when it comes to their top housings.
However, a point of differentiation arises in the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that while both switches may share similar characteristics in their top housings, the bottom housing material will contribute to distinct typing experiences for each switch.
In terms of overall typing experience, the combination of different housing materials in each switch impacts the sound and feel differently. The bottom housing material has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer users a choice in the typing experience based on the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in each switch.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Semi-Silent Linear has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's 55 grams. This means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear would offer a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether a lighter or heavier typing feel is preferred by the user.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for quicker response times. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch with its longer travel distance to be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the amount of key travel and responsiveness desired.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 tactile switch is characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued sound, producing a dampened sound when pressed, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. These differences in sound profile cater to different preferences, with the Lavender Purple Pro being more noticeable and the Semi-Silent Linear being more subtle.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile switch with a prominent amount of tactility, a spring-like feedback sensation, super responsiveness, and a smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, offering a more gentle typing experience, super responsiveness, a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, and a sleek typing experience. These differences in feel cater to different preferences, with the Lavender Purple Pro providing a more tactile experience and the Semi-Silent Linear offering a smoother and gentler typing sensation.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer different sound profiles and feel characteristics, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feel with a higher-pitched sound profile or a smoother, quieter typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and whisper-quiet sound with a silky smooth feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve. Consider the key characteristics of each switch and choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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