Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, and the KTT Strawberry, a linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Lavender Purple Pro is praised for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a bouncy and snappy feel while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry is favored for its smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance, thanks to its low-pitched and buttery smooth operation. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Strawberry, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. However, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a sharper and more resonant sound profile.
The differences between the nylon bottom housing of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Strawberry showcase how the choice of material can impact the sound and feel of a switch. While the nylon bottom housing produces a duller and rounder sound, the polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and more defined sound profile. This contrast in sound characteristics highlights how housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the KTT Strawberry demonstrates how manufacturers can utilize different plastics to achieve varying sound profiles and tactile experiences. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the difference in bottom housing materials results in distinct sound characteristics. Whether opting for the deeper sound of nylon or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, mechanical keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their typing experience based on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have some key differences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender has a slightly lighter actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Strawberry's 43 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes on the V3 Lavender. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the V3 Lavender requires a force of 55 grams, while the Strawberry is heavier at 62 grams. This means that the Strawberry provides a more substantial typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender's lighter bottom out force may be preferred by those who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. Both switches offer a medium level of force overall, but with slight variations that can cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we can see that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Strawberry has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Strawberry. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's 3.8 mm travel distance may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Strawberry's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
In terms of sound, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile, providing a more crisp and bright tone during typing. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch features a low-pitched sound, offering a deeper and mellower tone that may be preferred by those looking for a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These features contribute to a tactile yet smooth typing experience, with a noticeable tactile bump and refined key travel. In comparison, the KTT Strawberry switch is characterized as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. This translates to a smooth and effortless keystroke, providing a fluid typing sensation with minimal resistance or friction. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, albeit with different tactile and feedback profiles.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch and the KTT Strawberry switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a higher-pitched sound with a satisfying tactile bump, while the KTT Strawberry switch offers a low-pitched sound with a smooth actuation. When it comes to feel, the Lavender Purple Pro switch is more accented and bouncy, while the Strawberry switch is described as frictionless and silky. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, keyboard enthusiasts can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a satisfying tactile bump, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be a great choice for you. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a bouncy and snappy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile that enhances your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a smooth actuation, the KTT Strawberry would be a perfect fit. The Strawberry offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, with a low-pitched sound profile that adds to the smoothness of your typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile - whether you lean towards the lively feel of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the smoothness of the KTT Strawberry.
Mentioned in this article
