HMX Canglan V2 vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the unique characteristics of different types. The HMX Canglan V2, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exquisite thocky sound profile and light, smooth feel, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience. Its advanced design and premium materials provide a rich auditory feedback that appeals to those who enjoy a more subdued yet satisfying keypress. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a different allure with its tactile bump and higher-pitched sound signature. This switch caters to users who seek an engaging typing experience, blending snappiness with a polished tactile sensation that enhances each keystroke. While both switches present compelling features tailored to distinct preferences—one focusing on smoothness and sound, the other on tactile feedback—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro showcase distinct characteristics, significantly influencing their sound profiles and performance. The Canglan V2 features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which dampens sound better than harder materials. Conversely, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature allows for a clearer resonance, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience. Therefore, while the Canglan V2 emphasizes a warmer, rounded tone, the Lavender Purple Pro offers a brighter and more defined acoustic signature.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Canglan V2 and the Lavender Purple Pro employ nylon for this component. This similarity in material gives them a shared characteristic of producing a deeper and fuller sound profile at the bottom-out stage. Since nylon absorbs sound effectively, both models will have a similar performance in terms of how they feel when pressed down. Regardless of the top housing difference, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches retain a level of auditory consistency and feedback during keystrokes. Thus, when engaging with either switch, typists can expect a similar bottoming-out experience even as the top housings diverge in their sound dynamics.
The interplay of these materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch. The Canglan V2’s combination of a nylon top with a nylon bottom fosters a harmonious balance of warmth and depth, making it suitable for users who prefer a richer sound. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's design, with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom, blends the clarity of the upper sound with the softness of the lower section, lending a more versatile auditory experience. While both models leverage the benefits of nylon on the bottom, the differing materials on the top housing ultimately lead to distinctive sound profiles that cater to varying preferences among users.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, both their actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics. The Canglan V2 features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference in weight translates to a contrasting typing experience; the Canglan V2 is ideal for long typing sessions or gaming due to its lighter feel, allowing for less finger fatigue. Conversely, the V3 offers a bit more resistance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial tactile response while typing. Overall, while both switches have their unique strengths, the Canglan V2 caters to users seeking a lighter and more effortless typing experience, whereas the V3 is suited for those who appreciate a heavier, more pronounced push.
Travel distance
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Canglan V2 a shorter travel option compared to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. For those who favor quick response times, the Canglan V2 might be the preferable choice due to its reduced distance, which can lead to a more agile typing experience ideal for gaming. Conversely, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper keystrokes, better suited for users who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference, with the Canglan V2 providing the shorter, more responsive option, and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro delivering a more traditional, depth-oriented experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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 Canglan V2 switch is celebrated for its thocky sound profile, delivering a deep, resonant tone that creates a pleasurable auditory experience while typing. This sound is achieved through careful material selection and advanced molding techniques, allowing for a uniquely satisfying acoustic resonance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch produces a higher-pitched sound that is notable for its clarity and ringing qualities, further enhanced by the tactile bump that characterizes its design. This distinct sound contributes to a lively typing atmosphere, appealing to those who appreciate pronounced auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 is known for its smooth and light typing experience. It provides a fluid key press that many users find enjoyable, offering a minimalist tactile interaction that feels effortless. In contrast, the Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a multi-faceted tactile experience: it is accented, meaning it features a comfortable medium level of tactility that strikes a balance between being overly pronounced and too subtle. Additionally, these switches are described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback that adds to the overall liveliness of each key press. Furthermore, the snappy response of the Lavender Purple Pro allows for quick, reactive typing, while the polished feel ensures reduced friction, resulting in a smooth and refined travel through each keystroke.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches cater to different preferences, they each present unique qualities that enhance the typing experience. The Canglan V2 offers a deep, thocky sound with smooth light key presses, while the Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched, tactile experience characterized by its accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. Your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on your particular auditory and tactile preferences, but both promise a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a smooth and light typing experience, the Canglan V2, with its 48-gram actuation force, will likely be your go-to option. Its thocky, deep sound signature and light feel make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize silence and fluidity, perfect for long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more dynamic experience with a responsive tactile bump, the Lavender Purple Pro's 55-gram actuation force might be more suited to you. The Accented, bouncy, and polished characteristics of this switch, coupled with its higher-pitched sound profile, offer a lively feedback that many typists find satisfying for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, you should consider your typing style and what feels best under your fingers; whether it's the smoothness of the Canglan V2 or the tactile engagement of the Lavender Purple Pro, both switches provide unique experiences that cater to different preferences.
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