SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Polaris Purple stands out for its pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience with a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for gamers, offering smooth keystrokes, a pleasing bassy sound, and light actuation force for quick responses in competitive gameplay. While the Polaris Purple is ideal for those seeking a tactile typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro is a top choice for gamers prioritizing speed and responsiveness. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, it is evident that both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for better illumination. In this aspect, both keyboards will offer similar sound qualities and aesthetics with their polycarbonate top housing.
However, where the keyboards differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Polaris Purple opts for polycarbonate in its bottom housing, ensuring consistency in sound profile and resonance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that may contrast with the crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing. This contrast in bottom housing materials may lead to a noticeable difference in typing experience between the two keyboards.
Ultimately, the choice between the Polaris Purple and the Akko V3 Silver Pro will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While both keyboards offer a crisp sound profile with their polycarbonate top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials may impact the overall typing feel. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate throughout or the deeper sound of nylon in the bottom housing, both keyboards offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch in terms of actuation and bottom out force, there are notable differences. The Polaris Purple has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it lighter overall in comparison. Those who prefer a light touch when typing may find the V3 Silver Pro more appealing, as it requires less force both for actuation and bottoming out, allowing for quicker keystrokes. In contrast, the Polaris Purple may be better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Polaris Purple's travel distance is longer than the V3 Silver Pro's, providing a deeper key press feel for those who prefer more depth in their switches. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro's shorter travel distance offers a quicker response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed and efficiency. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of travel distance, with the Polaris Purple offering a more traditional feel and the V3 Silver Pro providing a shallower press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
The Akko V3 Silver 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 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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
The SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is characterized by a snappy sound profile, offering a neutral sound suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a pleasing bassy sound with a high-pitched quality, ideal for those who prefer sharp and crisp sound profiles. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard, including the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Polaris Purple is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle typing sensation and smooth key travel. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro is known for its easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel, with reduced friction and a buttery typing experience. These qualities cater to those seeking light actuation force and low-impact typing feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions and enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience.
In conclusion, both the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Polaris Purple provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience, the V3 Silver Pro offers a pleasing bassy sound with a high-pitched quality and a variety of smooth and buttery typing sensations. Understanding your preferences and typing needs will help you choose the switch that best suits your gaming, work, or typing style for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy tactile bump and a snappy sound, the Polaris Purple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force and a more bassy sound, the V3 Silver Pro would be a better fit, especially for gaming scenarios where quick keystrokes are essential. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preference for feel and sound, so choose the switch that aligns best with your typing experience.
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