Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor are both tactile switches that offer a unique typing experience to keyboard enthusiasts. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, making it a bouncy and snappy option for users who enjoy a polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor stands out for its thuddy and punchy sound profile, striking a balance between sharp sensation and tactile feedback without being overly tactile. Both switches are accented in their own way, offering invigorating typing experiences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffness of the material. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an ideal choice for switches with RGB lighting, adding a touch of visual appeal to the overall design. This similarity in housing material ensures that both keyboards will produce a clear and resonant sound while also providing a visually pleasing experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Viola Tricolor use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The absorption properties of nylon help create a duller and rounder sound, allowing for a more satisfying typing experience overall. This shared characteristic in the bottom housing material ensures that both keyboards will offer a similar level of sound quality and tactile feedback, providing users with a consistent typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor differ in material, with the former featuring polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, and the latter using polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, the overall sound profile and typing experience for these keyboards will be influenced by the combination of these materials. The split between the polycarbonate and nylon housings allows for a well-rounded sound profile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon releasing a key. Ultimately, both keyboards offer a blend of qualities that cater to different aspects of the typing experience, providing users with a diverse and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the V3 Lavender Purple Pro more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, making it a great choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different tactile typing experience, catering to different preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.8mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it is important to note that they offer the same level of tactile feedback and actuation force, resulting in a similar typing experience despite any other differences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro and Viola Tricolor switches both provide a satisfying typing experience with a consistent travel distance, making them equally reliable options for those seeking a tactile typing experience.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
When it comes to sound, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound profile, creating a light and crisp auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor features a bassy and low-pitched sound that adds depth and richness to each key press. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing ambiance, with the Lavender Purple Pro leaning towards a more delicate tone and the Viola Tricolor offering a more robust and characterful auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Viola Tricolor switches are described as accented, providing a medium level of tactility that is prominent without being overwhelming. The Lavender Purple Pro is also noted for its bouncy and snappy feel, offering a spring-like response and a lively keystroke experience. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor is described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback, firm actuation force, and a reactive feel for an engaging typing sensation. Both switches aim to strike a balance between tactile feedback and smooth key travel, catering to users who seek a satisfying typing experience without sacrificing comfort.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches each bring a unique set of qualities to the table for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Lavender Purple Pro focuses on a higher-pitched sound and a bouncy, polished feel, the Viola Tricolor offers a bassy sound profile and an invigorating tactile response. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the delicate elegance of the Lavender Purple Pro or the robust character of the Viola Tricolor to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and immersive typing sensation, ensuring that users can enjoy a premium mechanical keyboard experience with either option.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a higher-pitched sound with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a bassier sound profile, and a balance between tactile feedback and smooth key travel, the Viola Tricolor could be the better option for your typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch will depend on your individual typing preferences and priorities.
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