HMX Game1989 vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different styles, particularly linear and tactile switches. The HMX 1989, known for its deep, thocky sound, offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience that is ideal for gamers seeking rapid key presses without the distraction of tactile feedback. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro combines a satisfying tactile bump with a higher-pitched sound profile, creating an engaging typing experience that many writers and typists appreciate for its feedback and auditory feedback. While the HMX 1989 excels in delivering speed and a pronounced thock, the Lavender Purple Pro offers a delightful balance of responsiveness and an enjoyable sound that some may find more appealing for everyday use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
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 single-stage spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
Both the HMX 1989 and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. The stiff nature of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound, making it an ideal choice for achieving crisper auditory feedback. Both switches also particularly benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, which enhances the visual effects when RGB lighting is applied. This aesthetic advantage is especially appealing to users who want their keyboard lighting to shine through, creating a vibrant and visually engaging experience.
While the top housings of the HMX 1989 and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro share similar characteristics, their bottom housings differ in material composition. Both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which provides a contrasting sound profile. Unlike the polycarbonate top housing, the softer nylon allows for deeper, fuller sound output. This discrepancy means that while both switches produce a clear sound when a key is pressed, the bottom-out experience feels significantly different. The absorbent qualities of nylon contribute to a sound that is rounder and less piercing than the sound produced by the polycarbonate top, enhancing the overall typing experience.
When pressing down on either of the switches, users will immediately notice the interplay of the contrasting materials. The polycarbonate top housing accentuates the sharper notes of key presses, while the nylon bottom housing introduces a softer, more resonant sound when the key bottoms out. This duality of experience allows for a rich and nuanced typing feel, despite the similarities in top housing materials. Ultimately, both switches yield a well-rounded performance, with users benefiting from the clarity of polycarbonate and the depth of nylon, ensuring a satisfying interaction whether engaging in typing or gaming scenarios.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch exhibit similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This equivalence means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the initial force needed to register a key press. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the 1989's force being 53 grams and the Lavender Purple Pro's at 55 grams. This indicates that the Lavender Purple Pro has a marginally heavier feel when fully bottoming out, which may cater to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are categorized as medium-light and share the same actuation force, the HMX 1989 is slightly lighter in bottom out force, which could be beneficial for users seeking a softer feel during extensive typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the two differ in their specifications. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with traditional switch designs and may provide a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, catering to those who may enjoy a faster actuation for a more responsive feel. Thus, if you're looking for a deeper typing experience, the HMX 1989's longer travel distance would be the preferable choice, whereas if quicker response times are essential, the Akko switch may suit your needs better. Overall, the HMX 1989 provides a more traditional and hearty depth, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a slight edge in responsiveness with its shorter travel distance.
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 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.
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 is characterized by a deep, thocky profile that delivers a rich and satisfying auditory experience. This sound is often appreciated by users who enjoy the distinctive acoustics associated with linear switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound, complemented by the tactile bump that enhances the overall audible feedback during typing. While both switches provide enjoyable sound experiences, their tonal qualities distinctly cater to different auditory preferences, with the 1989 leaning towards bass and depth, while the Lavender Purple Pro presents a brighter, more melodic tone.
When considering feel, the HMX 1989 is noted for a smooth and linear experience, allowing for uninterrupted key travel without tactile feedback. This makes it appealing for those who prefer a more fluid typing style without tactile interruptions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is described as a medium tactile switch, providing a delightful balance of tactility that is accentuated without being overwhelming. Additionally, it features a bouncy characteristic that adds an elastic responsiveness upon activation, and its snappy nature leads to a quick return to the resting position. The polished finish of the Lavender Purple Pro offers a refined typing experience, ensuring smooth key presses.
Overall, both switches excel in their own right, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The HMX 1989’s deep and thocky sound paired with its smooth linear feel makes it a great choice for those who enjoy an uninterrupted typing experience, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a lively and tactile feedback with its high-pitched sound and vibrant response. Ultimately, choosing between these two will hinge on your auditory and tactile preferences, as both can provide a satisfying typing experience in their distinct ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch should be guided by your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you lean towards a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke while gaming or typing at higher speeds, the HMX 1989, with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams and its deep, thocky sound profile, could provide the seamless experience you want. This switch suits those who enjoy a straightforward linear feel without any tactile feedback, allowing for a more fluid movement across the keys. However, if you appreciate an engaging, tactile experience with a pronounced bump and a higher-pitched sound profile, then the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro might be the better choice for you. With its medium-light force of 55 grams, this switch offers a delightful bouncy and polished feel that enhances your typing experience while delivering responsive feedback. Ultimately, if you value stimulated tactile feedback for a satisfying feel and sound during your interactions, the Lavender Purple Pro will enhance your enjoyment whether you're typing or gaming. Therefore, consider what aspects of keyboard feel and audio feedback matter most to you as you make your decision between these two dynamic switches.
Mentioned in this article
