Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron Type L
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Type L offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its bouncy and snappy tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L is favored for its feathery and easy-to-press linear feel, catering to users who prefer a smoother and quieter keystroke. While the Lavender Purple Pro excels in providing a satisfying tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, the Type L stands out for its lightness and deeper sound signature. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Type L, it is evident that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This is in contrast to the Type L's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing echoes the same qualities as its top housing, the Type L also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a consistent sound profile throughout.
Despite the differences between the top and bottom housing materials of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Type L, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective housing materials. The contrast between the sharper, crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the deeper, fuller sound of the nylon housing in the Type L provides users with distinct typing experiences. While both switches may have different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall sound profile is influenced by a combination of both components, resulting in a cohesive typing experience.
Ultimately, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Type L offer users the opportunity to customize their typing experience based on their preference for sound profile. Whether one prefers the sharper and higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon in the Type L, each switch provides a unique typing experience. While the housing materials may vary between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile based on the properties of polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Type L linear switch which has an actuation force of 38 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro requires 55 grams while the Type L only needs 45 grams. Both switches fall in the lighter range of forces, making them suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly higher actuation and bottom out force, while the Type L offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a gentler keypress. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Type L linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While the 0.2 mm may seem like a small difference, it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro may provide a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L with its longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more tactile feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Type L comes in at $4.70 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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its higher-pitched sound profile, while the Gateron Type L is described as having a more neutral and subdued sound. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro may provide a more lively and satisfying auditory experience, while the Type L offers a smoother and quieter typing sound. The sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished tactile feedback. These qualities contribute to a tactile bump that is prominent yet not overwhelming, and offer a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L is characterized by its feathery and easy-to-press feel, providing a light actuation force and gentle resistance during key presses. This lightness and responsiveness make typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Gateron Type L switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched sound with a satisfying tactile bump, while the Type L offers a more subdued sound with a light and gentle keypress feel. Choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference for sound, typing experience, and intended use. Both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so exploring both options will help in finding the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, a higher-pitched sound profile, and a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, a sound signature that veers towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum, and a switch that is exceptionally light to press, then the Type L would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
