Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch, stand out for their unique characteristics. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, offering a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is favored for its quiet operation, providing a cushioned bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is ideal for those seeking a more accented and bouncy typing experience, the Silent Ink Black is perfect for environments where quiet typing is essential. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches both offer unique characteristics that impact the sound profile of the switches. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting, while the Silent Ink Black's top housing material is not transparent.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro uses a nylon bottom housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller tone. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that also contributes to a relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ in their housing materials, they both aim to achieve specific sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The use of polycarbonate in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a clear and resonant sound, while the INK blend material in the Silent Ink Black results in a satisfying, high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. Overall, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the Akko V3 has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Akko V3 makes it a good option for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier actuation force of the Gateron Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with varying preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, we find that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster reactions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a more substantial key press feel with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, snappier key press or a longer, more deliberate key press.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 switch is best known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is praised for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches excel in providing different sound profiles to cater to individual preferences, with the Lavender Purple Pro offering a more prominent sound and the Silent Ink Black offering a more subdued sound.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium tactile feedback with a spring-like rebound and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is characterized as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction. While the Lavender Purple Pro switch focuses on delivering a tactile and lively typing experience, the Silent Ink Black switch focuses on providing a smooth and refined feel for a more effortless typing experience.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel to cater to different preferences. The Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a higher-pitched sound and a lively tactile feedback, while the Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound and a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile and bouncy typing feel or a smoother and quieter typing experience, you can choose between these two excellent options to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile, a satisfying tactile bump, and a bouncy and snappy feel, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and silky smooth key travel, then the Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable for your needs. Remember to take into account factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and tactile feel when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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