Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique qualities of different options. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro presents a captivating choice with its higher-pitched sound profile and pronounced tactile bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bouncy and snappy response while typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB stands out for its deep "thock" when bottoming out, complemented by a quieter topping out, creating a refined acoustic experience that many seek for a more luxurious feel. Both switches cater to tactile enthusiasts, yet they offer distinct auditory experiences and tactile sensations, appealing to varied preferences in typing aesthetics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro Tactile

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.11

$2.20 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB showcase distinct approaches to their housing materials, demonstrating how these choices affect overall sound profiles. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is revered for its stiffness and translucency, delivering a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates crisply. This material not only enhances sound clarity but is also particularly aesthetically appealing when RGB lighting is employed, as its clear nature allows vibrant colors to shine through. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend often dubbed "boba plastic" for its top housing, which is softer and, as a result, tends to yield a richer and deeper sound. The two switches' top housing materials are fundamentally different in terms of their acoustic properties; while polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and brightness, the "boba plastic" promotes warmth and depth.

Examining the bottom housing materials reveals similarities between the two switches. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro employs a nylon bottom housing, traditionally known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a fuller bottom-out experience and a deeper sound profile. This is achieved due to nylon's softer characteristics that lend themselves to a rounder acoustic quality. In comparison, the U4Tx RGB's bottom housing again features the proprietary Gazzew blend. Like nylon, this blend also promises a deeper sound profile due to its softness, effectively absorbing sound and providing a smooth typing experience. While different in composition, both switches leverage the softness of their bottom housing materials to create a warm, rich sound, ensuring that users enjoy well-rounded auditory feedback.

Together, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in both switches creates a distinct yet complementary acoustic experience. Although the top housings diverge in their properties—polycarbonate delivering clarity versus the "boba plastic" offering richness—the bottom housings of both switches harmonize through their shared emphasis on sound absorption. Consequently, users can expect a balance of sound characteristics when typing, as the softer bottom materials mitigate the impact of stiffer tops in shaping the overall auditory profile. These intricate dynamics highlight how each element of a switch contributes uniquely to the user experience, ultimately resulting in well-rounded performance despite the contrasting materials.

Weight

When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. This means that while the Akko switch provides a lighter feel suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions, the Gazzew switch, with its heavier bottoming out force, offers a firmer tactile experience favored by users who prefer a more substantial push. The absence of an actuation force for the U4Tx RGB makes it difficult to fully assess its performance in comparison with the Akko switch, but the known bottom out force indicates that it requires more effort overall. Therefore, users looking for a lighter touch would likely prefer the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, while those desiring a heftier feel might opt for the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, a notable difference arises. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the U4Tx RGB features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. For those who prioritize a more responsive feel in their keypresses, the slightly shorter travel distance of the U4Tx RGB may be preferable, as it allows for quicker actuation, aligning well with the needs of gamers. However, if a deeper and more pronounced tactile feedback is favored, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying experience. In summary, while the U4Tx RGB offers a quicker response, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro delivers a more robust feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches deliver a higher-pitched sound profile that adds a cheerful acoustic quality to your typing experience. This lively sound, combined with the tactile bump, creates a satisfying auditory feedback that many users find enjoyable. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches are revered for their deep "thock" when bottoming out, which provides a rich and resonant experience, while the topping out remains quiet and subdued. This combination results in a more refined, luxurious sound profile that emphasizes a subtle yet satisfying auditory experience that contrasts nicely with the more pronounced tones of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Both switches, however, can differ in sound depending on the keyboard plate and keycap materials used.

When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are characterized as having a medium tactile response. They are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, meaning they provide a prominent tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle. The bouncy nature imparts a lively feel, making each keystroke feel responsive and engaging. On the other hand, while specific descriptors for the U4Tx RGB switches aren’t provided, they are expected to deliver a satisfying tactile bump as well, predicated on their design focus to enhance the typing experience. Thus, users can anticipate a tactile and smooth feeling, although precise descriptions of their snappiness or polish aren't detailed.

In conclusion, both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switches cater to different sound and feel preferences. The V3 provides a cheerful higher-pitched sound complemented by a versatile tactile experience that is well-suited for casual and serious typing alike. Meanwhile, the U4Tx RGB offers a more subdued yet rich auditory quality with a tactile feedback that is likely on par with the satisfaction provided by the Akko switches. Ultimately, whether one favors the higher-pitched cheeriness of the Lavender switch or the deep, luxurious sound of the Gazzew, both switches promise a delightful typing experience, and the choice will depend on individual auditory and tactile preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the decision between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you favor a medium-light key press with a snappy and bouncy feel, along with a higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the tactile sensation without being overwhelming, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is an excellent choice. This switch excels if you enjoy a lively typing experience where the tactile bump is pronounced but still comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force that delivers a luxurious typing experience characterized by a deeper “thock” sound and a refined tactile feedback, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB would suit you better. Its design offers both quiet operation and a sharper tactile sensation that elevates your typing to a more sophisticated level. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize a light and snappy action or a heavier, more luxurious feel, as both options provide distinct and enjoyable experiences tailored to different typing styles.

Mentioned in this article

Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro Tactile

$3.11

$2.20 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more