Sarokeys Purple Sakura vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offer unique experiences for users. The Purple Sakura is praised for its tactile feedback, with a snappy response and a smooth downstroke that strikes a perfect balance between being pronounced and not overpowering. Meanwhile, the V3 Silver Pro stands out for its linear switch design, crafted specifically for gamers with effortless keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound. The Purple Sakura is buttery, mild, and neutral, catering to those seeking a tactile typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro is easy-to-press, creamy, and feathery, ideal for gamers looking for quick, precise inputs. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this housing material, they may have slight variations in sound due to other factors such as the construction of the switch itself.
On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Akko V3 Silver Pro diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Purple Sakura utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound overall. This contrast with the polycarbonate top housing can create a unique typing experience that balances sharpness with depth. In comparison, the V3 Silver Pro also uses a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a similar deep and full sound profile.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings in the Sarokeys Purple Sakura and the Akko V3 Silver Pro results in a diverse sound experience. The bottom housing influences the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Both switches offer a blend of sharpness and depth in their sound profiles, with the difference in housing materials contributing to unique characteristics in typing feel and sound output.
Weight
In comparing the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, the key difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Purple Sakura features a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balance between responsiveness and cushioning. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The lighter actuation force of the V3 Silver Pro allows for quicker keystrokes, ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Purple Sakura may appeal to those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, we can see that the Purple Sakura has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the difference of 0.1 mm may not be noticeable to every user. Gamers may prefer the Purple Sakura for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Purple Sakura switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for most users and environments. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro switch produces a high-pitched, sharp sound that is distinct and may not be to everyone's preference. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Purple Sakura switch provides a buttery, mild, and snappy typing experience that is smooth, gentle, and responsive. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro switch offers an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel that is light, smooth, and comfortable for extended typing sessions, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. These tactile differences in feel cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Overall, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offers a more balanced and moderate experience in both sound and feel, making it a versatile choice suitable for various users and scenarios. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch is specifically tailored for gamers with its light actuation force and low-impact typing feel, ideal for situations where speed and efficiency are crucial. Depending on your preferences and typing needs, you can achieve different but equally satisfying results with these two switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch or the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and intended use. If you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, a neutral sound profile, and a buttery, mild, and snappy feel, the Purple Sakura would be a great choice for everyday typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a light bottom out force, a high-pitched sound profile, and an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky feel, the V3 Silver Pro would be more suitable for gaming or fast-paced typing situations. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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