Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves balancing tactile feedback and smoothness of keystrokes. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch renowned for its satisfying bump and higher-pitched sound profile, making it a favorite amongst those who enjoy an engaging tactile experience while typing. Its accented, bouncy, and snappy characteristics provide a pleasurable feedback loop that can enhance productivity and pleasure during long typing sessions. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai offers a distinctly linear experience with a deep, rounded sound profile and a notably light actuation force. This design is ideal for typists who prefer an effortlessly smooth feel, allowing for quick and precise typing without the interruption of tactile bumps. While both switches cater to different preferences—one promoting tactile engagement and the other swift fluidity—it's important to consider your typing style and comfort. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the TTC Yunhai, a clear distinction emerges between their top housings. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. This material not only enhances sound clarity but also allows for effective RGB lighting, given its translucency. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai features a nylon top housing, a material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Therefore, the divergent materials used in the top housings lead to distinctly different sound profiles, with the Akko switch leaning towards brightness and clarity, while the Yunhai favors depth and warmth.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings, which is nylon. This creates a compelling aspect of comparison, as the nylon bottom housing contributes to the fullness and depth of sound experienced when typing. Both switches, with nylon utilized in their bottoms, will exhibit similar acoustic qualities under finger pressure, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when the key bottoms out. This commonality ensures that both switches deliver comparable performance when it comes to the tactile feedback and sound produced during the actuation of the keys.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch's housing means that the overall auditory experience can vary significantly. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing brings a bright, resonant edge to the sound, while the nylon bottom maintains a wholesome fullness. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai harmonizes its all-nylon construction to create a more subdued sound experience. Thus, while both switches may share common characteristics due to their nylon bottom housings, their top housings influence the final sound profile differently, showcasing the impact that material choice can have in mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces arise. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. This means that users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions may favor the Yunhai switch, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience might gravitate towards the Akko switch. Overall, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Yunhai, which could influence the choice depending on the user's preference for weight in their keyboard's feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, you'll experience a more substantial keypress compared to the Yunhai, which may feel more abrupt due to its shorter distance. For gamers who prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Yunhai's shorter travel distance may be more appealing. However, individuals who prefer a richer feel with more depth to their key presses might gravitate towards the longer travel distance offered by the Akko switch. In this comparison, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is the longer option, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch is the shorter one.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 sound profile of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized by a higher-pitched tone that delivers a bright and pleasant auditory experience, making it appealing for those who enjoy a crisp typing sound. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a deep, rounded sound, which is mellower and less intrusive, perfect for users who prefer a quiet environment while typing. Notably, the sound produced by both switches can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap choice, meaning that an optimal choice of components can enhance or temper these sound profiles for an individual's preference.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out with its accented tactile feedback, providing a “medium tactile” experience that strikes a balance between not being overly dominant and remaining distinctly satisfactory. This switch also exhibits a bouncy quality, imparting a lively sensation as you type, along with a snappy responsiveness often attributed to its enhanced spring design. Furthermore, the polished finish of the switch allows for smooth key travel and reduces friction, resulting in a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch lacks the tactile bump and high responsiveness, offering a softer and more effortless actuation force that caters to typists seeking ease of use. Unfortunately, the specific descriptive qualities related to the feel of the Yunhai switch remain unknown.
In summary, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the TTC Yunhai linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The V3's bright sound and textured feedback create an engaging typing atmosphere, while the Yunhai provides a subdued auditory experience with its gentle actuation. Users looking for a classic tactile feel and a lively sound will likely gravitate towards the V3 switch, whereas those preferring smooth, quiet typing with minimal resistance will appreciate the Yunhai's characteristics. Exploring these nuances will enable newcomers to find the switch that best aligns with their typing style and personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a moderate tactile feedback and a slightly more robust typing experience, the Lavender Purple Pro would likely be your best option. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, combined with its accented and bouncy feel, provides a lively typing experience that feels snappy and responsive. The higher-pitched sound profile also adds an engaging auditory element for those who find joy in auditory feedback while they type. Conversely, if you prefer an incredibly light and effortless typing feel, the TTC Yunhai with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams might be the switch for you. This switch excels in delivering a deep, rounded sound profile and a gentle actuation, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or users seeking a smooth, fluid experience without the tactile bump. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you crave that pronounced tactile feedback and lively key action or a soft, linear feel that emphasizes ease and comfort.
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