Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the PH Studio Yoel stand out as popular options, each offering unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch known for its high-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, making it a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts looking for an accented, bouncy, and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch from PH Studio provides a different feel with its creamy and smooth keystroke, characterized by a bright and clacky sound profile that adds a sense of satisfaction with each press. While both switches boast polished qualities, the Lavender Purple Pro offers a bouncier sensation, while the Yoel delivers a more silky and resonant typing experience. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the PH Studio Yoel, both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, it leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile in both keyboards. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both keyboards share the same top housing material, they differ in the material used for the bottom housing.
The V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yoel features a POM bottom housing, which creates an incredibly pleasing and unique deep sound that is relatively more muted. This contrast in bottom housing material gives each keyboard its distinct sound profile when typing, with the V3 offering a fuller sound and the Yoel providing a more muted one.
When considering both the top and bottom housing materials of these keyboards, it is clear that the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the sound profile when press down on a key, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the PH Studio Yoel share the benefits of using polycarbonate for the top housing, their choice of bottom housing material contributes to their unique sound profiles and overall typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 53 grams and bottom out force of 60 grams. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a medium-light typing experience, which may be preferred by those looking for a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Yoel switch provides a medium actuation and bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing feel that some users may find satisfying. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference based on the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly longer travel distance than the Yoel. The difference may not be significant, but it can affect the overall feel and response of the switch. If you prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Lavender Purple Pro might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quicker response time and a more light and snappy feel, the Yoel with its shorter travel distance could be the way to go. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 switch is characterized by a higher-pitched and resonant profile that can provide an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is described as clacky, offering a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro leaning towards a higher-pitched sound and the Yoel providing a bright and clacky resonance.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is described as accented and bouncy, providing a medium tactile feedback with a lively rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is characterized by a creamy and polished feel, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer distinct tactile sensations, with the V3 Lavender Purple Pro focusing on a bouncy and accented feedback, while the Yoel provides a creamy and silky typing sensation.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro leans towards a higher-pitched sound and a bouncy tactile feedback, the Yoel provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience. Choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch or the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, then the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and crave a delectably chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, then the Yoel linear switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the feel and sound characteristics that best suit your typing needs and preferences.
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