Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present two appealing yet distinct options for enthusiasts. The Lavender Purple V3 is celebrated for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, offering a lively, bouncy typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) features a smooth, neutral sound signature that leans towards the coveted "thock," and its refined tactile sensation coupled with a dustproof stem enhances overall performance, making it perfect for users who prefer a buttery-smooth feel without the overt tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences—those seeking snappy accents in their typing may gravitate toward the Lavender Purple, while individuals desiring a milder, polished experience might favor the Sticky Rice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your unique typing needs.
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
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) utilize similar materials for their top housings, as both are constructed from polycarbonate. This choice significantly influences the sound profile of each switch, producing a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, resulting in a sound that is sharp and lively. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for switches designed for RGB lighting, allowing illumination to shine through beautifully in both models. Consequently, users can expect a comparable acoustic output when utilizing either switch due to the uniformity of housing materials.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Sticky Rice (V2) are crafted from nylon, a well-regarded material in the mechanical keyboard community. The softer nature of nylon provides a more subdued and rounded sound profile, absorbing more sound than its harder counterparts. This characteristic creates a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. As in the case of the top housings, both switches will yield similar acoustic qualities due to the identical material used for their bottom housings. Thus, both switches are designed to balance the high-pitched sounds produced by their polycarbonate tops with the deeper tones offered by their nylon bottoms, contributing to a dynamic auditory experience.
The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) promotes a cohesive sound profile. The higher-pitched sounds from the polycarbonate top are counterbalanced by the deeper sounds from the nylon bottom, creating a well-rounded typing experience. While the specific sound nuances and tactile feedback may vary slightly between the two models, users can generally expect a similar blend of acoustic properties and aesthetics, making each an appealing option for those looking to enhance their keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of feel and brand loyalty, as their sound characteristics will lead to a comparable typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch exhibit distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, influencing their overall typing experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This positions the Sticky Rice (V2) as the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer extended typing sessions due to reduced finger fatigue. Conversely, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may appeal to users who favor a more substantial and deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Akko offering a firmer feel and the Everglide presenting a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Akko switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) measures 3.5 mm. This means that the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a longer travel distance, offering a more pronounced feedback and a deeper tactile experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) provides a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who prefer quicker actuation. Overall, those who enjoy a hearty and more substantial feel when pressing keys might favor the Akko switch, while gamers or users who prefer a snappier response may opt for the shorter travel distance of the Everglide switch.
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 stands out with its higher-pitched sound profile, which tends to create a more crisp and lively auditory experience during typing. This can be particularly delightful for those who appreciate the distinct sound cues that accompany each keystroke. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a more neutral sound signature that leans towards a low-pitched "thock," providing a rich, bass-heavy tone. This difference in sound quality means that while you might enjoy an elevated auditory feedback from the Lavender Purple Pro, the Sticky Rice gives an immersive, deep resonance, making it a matter of personal preference between a bright or mellow typing sound.
In terms of feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro boasts an accented tactile bump that strikes a balance between noticeable and subtle feedback. Its bouncy, snappy nature provides a lively response, which can enhance the typing experience especially for those who prefer an energetic touch. The switch is also polished, ensuring smooth keystrokes with minimal friction. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) is recognized for its silky feel, characterized by a polished finish that brings a level of smoothness and a buttery keystroke experience. It also features a mild tactile response, making it approachable for a wider audience. While both switches offer polished finishes that contribute to a refined typing experience, the Lavender Purple Pro leans towards a more engaging tactile feedback, while the Sticky Rice focuses on smoothness and comfort.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches present distinct yet compelling qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is great for those who appreciate higher-pitched sounds and a prominently tactile feel, whereas the Sticky Rice (V2) caters to users who favor a smooth, low-pitched auditory experience combined with mild tactility. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize pronounced feedback and sound dynamics or a refined, silky experience with balanced sound characteristics. Each switch will deliver an enjoyable experience, albeit in different auditory and tactile ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal priorities in a typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light actuation that offers a pronounced tactile bump, snappier feedback, and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Lavender Purple Pro would be an excellent fit, especially if you enjoy a lively and engaging keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who want a more responsive and bouncy feel, making it well-suited for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes smoothness and a refined, low-pitched sound, the Sticky Rice (V2) may be your best choice. Its lighter actuation force and silky travel provide a softer typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions where fatigue is a concern. The mild yet satisfying feedback makes the Sticky Rice (V2) approachable for a wider range of users, whether you're a casual typist or a gaming enthusiast. Ultimately, assess what feels right for your needs—an enjoyable tactile response with the Akko V3 or the buttery smoothness of the Everglide to enhance your daily keyboard activities.
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