HMX Game1989 vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX 1989, renowned for its deep thocky sound, is a linear switch that provides a smooth keystroke, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking rapid responses without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out as a tactile switch known for its prominent bump that delivers satisfying feedback with each press, paired with a loud, bass-heavy sound signature that can enhance the typing experience. Both switches have their unique appeals; the 1989 thrives in environments where speed is paramount, while the Creamy Purple Pro invites users to enjoy a more pronounced connection to their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This characteristic makes both switches particularly effective for users who appreciate a clear and resonant auditory feedback during their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, especially if RGB lighting is employed. Consequently, users can expect a comparable performance in terms of sound clarity and visual aesthetics from both the HMX 1989 and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges slightly in terms of the sensory experience they provide. Both the HMX 1989 and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro feature nylon for their bottom housing, which is known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively softer texture, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller, rounder auditory feedback compared to harder plastics. Thus, when users bottom out a key, they will experience the richness and warmth characteristic of nylon across both switches, promoting a softer tactile experience. Although the specifics around the feel and sound produced during keystrokes differ between the switches, using nylon for the bottom housing ensures a consistent depth of sound across both options.
When combining both housing materials, the overall typing experience is influenced by how they complement each other. The combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing results in a unique auditory experience, with the top housing contributing to the sound upon release, while the bottom housing shapes the sound upon bottoming out. Both the HMX 1989 and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro effectively blend the properties of polycarbonate and nylon, resulting in a cohesive typing experience that balances high-pitched clarity with deep, resonant undertones. This harmonious interplay between materials ensures that users will not only enjoy a distinctive sound profile but also a rich tactile feel that enhances their overall typing comfort.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, significant differences in actuation force and a slight discrepancy in bottom out force stand out. The HMX 1989 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is easier to press at the start, both switches have relatively similar bottoming out experiences, with the 1989 being slightly heavier. This difference in actuation forces indicates that the 1989 will provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users prefer for its feedback, while the lighter 30-gram actuation on the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it more suited for users looking for a comfortable and effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, the differences are quite notable. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered traditional and offers a more pronounced feedback with its deeper key press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it shallower and potentially more responsive, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker actuation. As a result, those who favor a more sensitive touch in their typing experience might gravitate towards the Creamy Purple Pro, while users who appreciate a robust key feel and deeper travel may prefer the HMX 1989. Overall, the 1989 is the longer switch, and the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the shorter option, reflecting the varied preferences in keyboard design and functionality.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Akko V3 Creamy 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 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch delivers a deeply resonant and thocky auditory profile. This makes it a great option for users who appreciate a fuller, more substantial sound when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a much louder sound signature with a noticeable bassy pitch. This switch's sound can be invigorating for those who enjoy a more aggressive auditory experience while typing. However, it's key to remember that the overall sound can vary significantly depending on the specific keyboard and keycap combination used.
When comparing the feel of these two switches, the HMX 1989 offers a smooth linear experience, characterized by its lack of tactile resistance throughout the key press. This results in an uninterrupted and fluid typing experience that many typists and gamers alike prefer. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a pronounced tactile bump, delivering a noticeable feedback at the actuation point. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, especially for users who favor a more engaged feel while typing.
In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches offer unique yet appealing characteristics catering to different preferences. The 1989’s deep thock sound combined with its smooth feel is perfect for those who enjoy a linear typing experience. Meanwhile, the loud, bassy sound and tactile feedback of the Creamy Purple Pro are ideal for those seeking a more dynamic auditory and tactile sensation. Depending on personal preference, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience, but they approach that satisfaction through different auditory and tactile pathways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, your personal preferences, typing style, and intended use cases will play significant roles. If you’re looking for a smooth and consistent keypress with a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, the HMX 1989 is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy gaming or tasks that require rapid keystrokes without tactile interruptions. Its deep thocky sound profile also adds a satisfying acoustic dimension that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback and a lighter touch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro, with its 50-gram bottom-out force and pronounced tactile bump, will suit you well. Its distinct sound signature, described as loud and bassy, is ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback alongside tactile sensation. In essence, choose the HMX 1989 for smooth linear performance and a deeper sound, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro will excel when you desire that tactile feedback and light responsiveness, making each keystroke feel deliberate and engaging.
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