Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between different mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, offering a delightful typing experience that is bouncy and snappy. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch that provides a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience with a bouncy feel and easy-to-press keys. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is accented and polished, the Tourmaline Blue is buttery and mild. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that may cater to different preferences, making it important to dive deeper to best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
The V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Tourmaline Blue both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches utilizing RGB lighting. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Although both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Tourmaline Blue still differ in their bottom housing materials. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience, affecting the sound and feel of both switches when pressed.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Tourmaline Blue plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. The variation in top and bottom housing materials results in distinct sound characteristics when typing on these switches. While both switches share polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housing materials, with nylon in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and polycarbonate in the Tourmaline Blue, creates unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Tourmaline Blue is heavier in both actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force at 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force at 55 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue boasts a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. While the actuation forces of the two switches differ significantly, both switches cater to users who lean towards either lighter or heavier typing experiences. In conclusion, depending on individual preference, users can choose the switch that aligns with their desired typing feel for optimal performance and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can see that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Tourmaline Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro falls closer to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, while the Tourmaline Blue exceeds it slightly. Both switches offer a decent travel distance for typists and gamers, but if you're looking for a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth in your keypresses, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 offers a higher-pitched profile, giving a unique typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a more distinct sound. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Both switches can deliver satisfying sound experiences, but the Lavender Purple Pro may offer a bit more character in this aspect.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is noted for its accented tactile bump, bouncy feedback, snappy response, and polished finish, providing a tactile experience that strikes a balance between noticeable tactility and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, offering a smooth and gentle typing sensation that is comfortable and approachable to most users. Both switches have their unique qualities in terms of feel, with the Lavender Purple Pro leaning towards a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offer different but equally enjoyable typing experiences. The Lavender Purple Pro excels in delivering a more distinct sound and a balanced tactile feel, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a smoother and gentler typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to different user needs. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a deep, thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the Tourmaline Blue might be the switch that suits your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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