Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Piano Pro, a linear switch, and the Jerrzi Violet, a tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preference and typing style. The V3 Piano Pro is loved for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet offers a gentle tactile feel with a poppy tactility and neutral sound signature, creating a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. The V3 Piano Pro is best for those who enjoy a bouncy and clacky typing experience, while the Jerrzi Violet is perfect for those who prefer a more stepped and neutral feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Jerrzi Violet both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the former using nylon for both the top and bottom housing while the latter incorporates polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the V3 Piano Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Violet creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer composition. While the V3 Piano Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound, the Violet's nylon bottom housing offers similar sound characteristics.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material also plays a role. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jerrzi Violet allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the Nylon top and bottom housing of the Akko V3 Piano Pro may not offer the same level of translucency or light diffusion. Additionally, the different sound profiles created by the housing materials can impact the overall typing experience, with the V3 Piano Pro providing a deeper sound when pressing down on a key, while the Violet offers a clearer sound upon releasing a key.
Whether it be the deeper and fuller sound profile of the V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing or the sharper and crisper sound profile of the Violet's polycarbonate housing, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences based on their housing materials. While nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its sound-absorbing properties, polycarbonate brings a different level of clarity and resonance to the table. Ultimately, the choice between these two housing materials may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them ideal for users who prefer a light touch when typing. However, the V3 Piano Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing the key compared to the Violet, whose bottom out force is unknown. This difference in bottom out force may result in a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a slightly heavier keypress. Overall, the V3 Piano Pro leans towards being a lighter switch, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Violet's force characteristics may cater to those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal choices for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect a similar keypress experience in terms of depth. Ultimately, the choice between the V3 Piano Pro and the Violet switch may come down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance feels comfortable and responsive to the individual user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 Piano Pro linear switches are known for their clacky and resonant characteristics, providing a sharp, snappy sound with a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various typing purposes. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, the sound produced by these switches can be further enhanced or modified to suit your preferences.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience. The keys have a lively feel with a spring-like feedback sensation, a smooth and buttery typing experience, a refined finish for sleek key travel, and exceptionally smooth key presses and releases. In comparison, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switches have a stepped tactile feel, providing a mild tactility with distinct pre-travel and/or post-travel stages. This can cater to those who prefer a gentler tactile feedback while typing.
Overall, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches and Jerrzi Violet tactile switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you are looking for a snappy, clacky sound with smooth actuation and a bouncy, creamy, polished, or silky typing experience, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel with gentle tactility, the Jerrzi Violet switches could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a snappy and clacky sound with a bouncy and creamy feel, the V3 Piano Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel, the Jerrzi Violet switch could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to try out both to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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