Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gazzew U4T mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two tactile switches that offer distinct features to enhance your typing experience. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a bouncy and polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T offers a thocky and sharp tactility with a bassy sound profile, ensuring each keystroke delivers both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Both switches have their unique qualities that may cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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 Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gazzew U4T, one can see that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, while the U4T uses a proprietary Gazzew blend. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness, which is often likened to "boba plastic." Despite their differences, both housing materials offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. In this aspect, both switches share similarities in their choice of material and the sound profiles they produce, offering a consistent experience for users looking for a specific type of sound.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gazzew U4T contribute to their unique sound profiles. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials results in a clear and resonant sound on top, with a deeper and fuller sound on the bottom. In contrast, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing create a rich and deep sound profile throughout. While each switch offers a distinct auditory experience, both are crafted with precision to cater to different sound preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it heavier. However, both switches offer a medium-light actuation force compared to their respective bottom out forces. This means that the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, while the Gazzew U4T may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gazzew U4T has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the U4T being more standard at 4 mm. For those who prefer a faster response time, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be ideal. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keypress with greater depth, the longer travel distance of the U4T might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance in key switches.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer a higher-pitched sound profile that adds a delightful element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches provide a bassy 'thock' sound that offers a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches have their unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience depending on personal preference, board choice, and keycap selection.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a medium level of tactile feedback that is not overpowering but still noticeable. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches are characterized by their sharp tactile bump, offering a strong and crisp tactile feedback with each keypress. The U4T switches are designed to provide an intense tactile sensation that can be distinctly felt during typing, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience.
Overall, when comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches to the Gazzew U4T switches, it's important to consider both sound and feel preferences. The Lavender Purple Pro switches offer a higher-pitched sound and a medium level of tactile feedback, while the U4T switches provide a bassy 'thock' sound and a sharp tactile bump for a more intense typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback intensity.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a bassy 'thock' sound profile with an assertive tactile feedback, then the Gazzew U4T may be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy switches with a polished, bouncy, or snappy feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a variety of tactile sensations, while the U4T provides a sharp and intense tactile bump with each keypress. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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