Zuoce Lavender vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it becomes clear that each offers unique features to cater to different preferences. The Zuoce Lavender stands out for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, providing a satisfying typing experience marked by ease of pressing keys. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound profile, a tactile bump, and a bouncy, snappy feel, appealing to those seeking a more accentuated typing feedback. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both have unique housing materials that significantly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Zuoce Lavender features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro uses a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The difference in top housing material results in distinct auditory experiences for users, with the POM offering a more subdued sound and the polycarbonate providing a clearer and more resonant sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Zuoce Lavender boasts a POM bottom housing, which complements the top housing to create a consistent deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound that is rounder and duller in comparison to other materials. This distinction in bottom housing material contributes to the overall sound profile of the switches, with the nylon offering a different tactile and auditory experience compared to the POM.
While the Zuoce Lavender and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro may have different top and bottom housing materials, the impact of each material on the sound profile is apparent in the overall typing experience. The split qualities of the housing materials mean that users will feel the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, we see that both switches fall under the category of medium-light in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Zuoce Lavender has a slightly higher actuation force of 48 grams compared to the 45 grams of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. However, the bottom out force of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is slightly higher at 55 grams compared to the 53 grams of the Zuoce Lavender. This means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may provide a slightly more tactile typing experience due to the higher bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Zuoce Lavender, while those looking for a bit more push feel may prefer the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Both switches offer a balanced actuation and bottom out force, ensuring a comfortable typing experience for various preferences.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Zuoce Lavender switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Those who prefer a quicker, more responsive typing experience may lean towards the Zuoce Lavender switch, while those who enjoy a deeper key press might prefer the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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.
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 Zuoce Lavender linear switch offers a clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound with each key press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided. Sound profile can vary based on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, contributing to the overall acoustic experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Zuoce Lavender switch is described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses for a comfortable typing experience with minimal force required. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized by being accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This means that it offers a medium level of tactility, a spring-like feedback sensation, high responsiveness, and a smooth key travel for an enhanced typing feel.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch excels in smoothness and an easy-to-press feel, along with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers a higher-pitched sound, a tactile bump, and a combination of features such as responsiveness, bounce, and a polished finish. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that can elevate your typing experience. Ultimately, by choosing either of these switches, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider the primary factors that differentiate them. If you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound profile, the Zuoce Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a higher-pitched sound profile, a satisfying tactile bump, and a combination of features like accented tactility, bounciness, snappiness, and a polished finish, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you seek to achieve.
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