Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness present intriguing options for tactile switch enthusiasts. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out with its higher-pitched sound profile and pronounced tactile bump, creating a snappy and pleasing typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. Its accented, bouncy nature adds a unique flair that can make typing feel more dynamic and engaging. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more subtle to moderate tactile feel, prioritizing a balanced sound profile that may resonate with users seeking a smoother yet still satisfying typing experience. While the Lavender Purple Pro catches attention with its vibrant characteristics, the Weightlessness provides a more understated, refined choice that some may find preferable. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly affect their sound profiles. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which lead to a sharper and crisper sound. This clear housing allows for dynamic RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch while creating a more resonant auditory experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound better than stiffer plastics. This fundamental difference implies that users seeking a brighter, more pronounced keystroke sound would prefer the Akko V3, while those desiring a muted and rounded audio feedback might lean towards the Gateron Weightlessness.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, leading to more similarities between the two models. The nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound regardless of the switch's top housing. This shared characteristic means that while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Weightlessness may diverge in sound when pressed down due to the differing top materials, they converge at the bottom. Consequently, the tactile experience of bottoming out and the associated sound profile will largely be alike in both switches, yielding a similar quality of feedback when actuating key presses.
In summary, the main contrast between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness lies within their top housings; one is made of polycarbonate and the other of nylon. This directly impacts their respective sound characteristics, with the polycarbonate offering a clearer and crisper sound while nylon provides a deeper, rounder tone in the top housing. However, with both switches outfitted with nylon bottom housings, the bottom-out experience remains consistent across the two, providing a common ground for those who favor a fuller sound at the base of the keystroke. Thus, users can expect a different auditory profile based on their top housing choice, but a grounded and familiar bottoming-out sound across both options.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch with the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming due to its medium-light feel. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Gateron Weightlessness is not provided, making it unclear how it compares to the 55 grams of bottom out force found in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. As a result, while the Akko switch is generally lighter and may be favored for extended use, the unknown bottom out force of the Gateron switch leaves some uncertainty regarding its overall typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it becomes clear that they offer different experiences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the Gateron Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that users seeking a more substantial feel and depth in their keystrokes might prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, as it provides a more pronounced travel sensation. Conversely, those who prioritize responsiveness, such as gamers, may gravitate towards the Weightlessness switch due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding tactile feel and typing dynamics.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch produces a higher-pitched sound profile that many users find pleasant during typing. This acoustic quality contributes to a satisfying auditory experience that often enhances the overall joy of typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch features a balanced sound profile that provides a subtle to moderate auditory feedback. Although these two switches differ in tonal character, the sound they produce can also vary based on the keyboard they are used with and the choice of keycaps, which makes them both capable of creating satisfying auditory environments.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized as accented, offering a medium tactile experience that strikes a balance between being neither overwhelming nor subtle. The design integrates bouncy and snappy qualities, resulting in a typing experience that feels lively and responsive, enhanced by a polished finish that reduces friction. In comparison, the Gateron Weightlessness switches are described as having a subtle to moderate tactile feel, which suggests a softer tactile response than what the Lavender Purple switch offers. Although specific descriptors for the Weightlessness feel were not provided, users might find that it lacks the pronounced tactile feedback and the lively responsiveness that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro excels at.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches deliver unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Lavender Purple Pro stands out with a pronounced tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound, while the Weightlessness provides a more subdued touch and balanced auditory feedback. Depending on your preference for a lively typing experience versus a subtle one, either switch can cater to your needs. Selection ultimately comes down to personal taste, as both switches can result in satisfying typing experiences, albeit through different sensory avenues.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile during your typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom-out force and seek a delightful and lively tactile experience with a higher-pitched sound and pronounced bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is an excellent choice. Its bouncy, snappy, and polished characteristics can elevate your engagement whether you are typing or gaming. On the other hand, if your preference leans towards a more subtle to moderate tactile feel with a balanced sound profile, the Weightlessness switch may suit you better, especially if you appreciate a less prominent tactile feedback. Each switch has distinct qualities that cater to different tastes, so consider your typing style, the acoustic environment, and how much feedback you like from your switches. Ultimately, you want to choose the switch that resonates with your personal preferences, making your keyboard experience as enjoyable and productive as possible.
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