Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that is beloved for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, making it perfect for keyboard enthusiasts who enjoy a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu is a linear switch known for providing a delicate typing experience ideal for long periods of use, thanks to its crisp sound profile. If you're looking for a more aggressive and tactile typing feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the way to go. However, for a smoother and more feathery typing experience, the Yanyu could be the better choice. 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
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu, it is evident that both switches have unique characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Yanyu features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing that offers a slightly brighter sound profile. While both materials have their own distinct qualities, they both aim to provide a pleasant typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housing, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a nylon material which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for absorbing sound and creating a duller, rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Yanyu features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing that provides a pleasant sound profile on the brighter side. Both bottom housings aim to enhance the typing experience by offering a unique sound profile that complements the top housing material.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu contribute to their unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro focuses on creating a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Yanyu offers a slightly brighter sound profile with its unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top and bottom housings. Both switches aim to provide users with a pleasant typing experience by offering different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Yanyu switch overall lighter in feel compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The lighter actuation force of the Yanyu may be preferred by those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the option that best fits their preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, the Yanyu provides a more substantial key press feel with its longer travel distance. Gamers may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its faster response, while those who prefer a more tactile experience may opt for the SP-Star Yanyu. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique typing experience, but the choice between the two depends on individual preferences for travel distance.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 tactile switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is known for its crisp sound profile, making it perfect for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or typing for extended periods. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch focuses on a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Yanyu switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of typing preferences, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a balanced and refined typing sensation. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is characterized as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle and light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Both switches feature a polished finish for smooth key travel, but the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch leans towards a more lively and vibrant feel with its bouncy and snappy feedback, while the Yanyu switch focuses on a softer and more approachable typing feel.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles to cater to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a higher-pitched sound with a pronounced tactile bump, ideal for those seeking a more engaging and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Yanyu switch offers a neutral sound profile with a gentle and light typing feel, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and a variety of typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider your preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu linear switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
