HMX Caramel Pudding vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Caramel Pudding 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 switches, two popular contenders often come up in conversations among enthusiasts: the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The Caramel Pudding switches are celebrated for their resonant, clacky sound signature and incredibly smooth typing feel, making them an excellent choice for those who favor a linear switch that provides a seamless keystroke experience without any tactile distractions. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches present a compelling alternative with their higher-pitched sound profile and distinct tactile bump, appealing to users who enjoy a more responsive and engaging typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different preferences, whether you're seeking a quiet and fluid typing sensation or a snappier and more dynamic feedback with each keystroke. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Caramel Pudding and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches, notable differences emerge in their top housings. The Caramel Pudding features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, which effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a sound that is more muted and rounded. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a material that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the sound quality, particularly when it comes to RGB lighting displays, but also allows for a resonant and clear auditory experience, making it attractive for users who appreciate aesthetic lighting in combination with sound clarity.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Caramel Pudding and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro employ nylon materials. This similarity in bottom housing contributes similarly to the typist's experience, generating a deeper and fuller sound profile when the key bottoms out. The nylon's capacity to absorb sound means both switch varieties will produce that familiar dull and round auditory feedback. Consequently, while the top housings differ in their contributions to the noise profile, the bottom housings share the same characteristic that enhances the typing experience with softer and more enveloping sound quality.
Ultimately, the distinctions in sound characteristics between the two switches are most pronounced in their top housings. For users seeking a comprehensive auditory experience, the nylon bottom housing shared by both units ensures that the fundamental typing feel and sound remain consistent. With this mixed housing approach, the Caramel Pudding delivers a fuller sound upon key press, while the polycarbonate top of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers clarity and resonance upon key release. Thus, while users can expect a robust and soft auditory experience with both switches, the overall sound profile will diverge based on the materials used in their top housings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally easy to press, which is ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, there is a notable difference in their bottom out forces; the Caramel Pudding has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Lavender Purple Pro is slightly heavier at 55 grams. This means that while both switches share a similar actuation feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a slightly firmer resistance when bottoming out. As a result, those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Caramel Pudding for a smoother typing experience, while those seeking a more substantial push might favor the added firmness of the Akko switch.
Travel distance
The HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch exhibit different travel distances, with the former measuring 3.6 mm and the latter at 3.8 mm. This slight difference makes the Caramel Pudding switch the shorter option, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a longer travel distance. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter 3.6 mm travel of the Caramel Pudding may provide a quicker key press response, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster reaction times. Conversely, the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Lavender Purple Pro aligns more with traditional preferences, offering a deeper feel that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you favor agility in your keystrokes or a more pronounced tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Caramel Pudding has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Pudding 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 Caramel Pudding switches produce a resonant, clacky sound signature that appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This sound character is known for its fullness, giving every keystroke a lively presence. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches feature a higher-pitched sound profile that offers a different auditory experience. While the Caramel Pudding emphasizes a deeper resonation, the Lavender Purple Pro's sound is more delicate and bright, creating an engaging and pleasant typing atmosphere. It’s important to remember that the overall sound can also be affected by other factors like the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Caramel Pudding switches are renowned for their exquisitely smooth typing experience, delivering effortless keystrokes that make for a comfortable and seamless interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer a range of tactile qualities: they are accented, providing a medium level of tactility that enhances the typing experience without becoming overwhelming. These switches also feature a bouncy responsiveness, creating an elastic feedback sensation with every press. The snappy nature of the Lavender Purple Pro switches contributes to this liveliness, making them feel more reactive and engaging. Furthermore, their polished finish enhances the smoothness of their key travel, leading to an overall refined typing experience.
In summary, while the HMX Caramel Pudding switches and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches differ in their sound profiles, each offers unique tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Caramel Pudding focuses on a deeper, more resonant sound and smoothness, ideal for those who appreciate a quieter yet satisfying experience. Conversely, the Lavender Purple Pro, with its higher pitch and tactile feedback, provides a dynamic and engaging typing environment. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize sound, smoothness, or tactile response in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences in both sound and feel. If you prefer a smooth typing experience with a resonant, clacky sound signature, the Caramel Pudding switches might be the better option for you. They provide a delightful, fluid key press that many typists find satisfying, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming scenarios where quick key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile experience with a noticeable bump and a snappy feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches would likely appeal to you more. Their balanced tactile feedback, bouncy response, and polished finish combined with a higher-pitched sound profile make them perfect for those who appreciate a more engaged and reactive typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the specific auditory and tactile sensations you seek in your keyboard experience.
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