HMX Cheese vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese 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 Cheese and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro offer distinct yet compelling options for differing preferences in typing and gaming experiences. The HMX Cheese, a linear switch, is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, making it ideal for those who value a seamless keystroke without tactile feedback. With an incredibly light actuation force, lighter than 90% of all switches, the Cheese delivers a satisfying clacky sound signature that enhances the overall experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch known for its prominent tactile bump and a loud, bass-heavy sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. While the Cheese is perfect for those seeking fluidity and speed, the Creamy Purple Pro caters to individuals who appreciate a tactile sensation combined with an auditory response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing and gaming style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Nylon
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 spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which results in distinct auditory experiences. The HMX Cheese employs a nylon top housing, a classic material that is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer qualities. This specific plastic absorbs sound to a greater extent than harder materials, leading to a rounder and more muted acoustic output. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer in nature. This stiffness contributes to a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile, providing a more resonant auditory feedback when a key is pressed. Consequently, users can expect a noticeable difference in the sound characteristics, with the Cheese delivering a warmer tone while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a sharper timbre.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, show a noteworthy similarity. Both the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which once again lends itself to that deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared material grounds both switches in a common auditory experience, even as their top housings set them apart. As the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel during a keypress, users can still enjoy a consistent tactile experience across both models, reinforcing the advantages of nylon in contributing toward sound absorption. Hence, while the auditory profiles differ significantly, the consistent bottom housing material enhances the overall tactile satisfaction of both switches.
In summary, while the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro exhibit contrasting sound profiles due to their differing top housing materials, they align in terms of their bottom housings. The nylon bottom on both switches ensures that users will experience a smooth, absorbing interaction regardless of the top housing material. If one is looking for a warmer, more muted typing experience, the Cheese might be preferred; alternatively, those who appreciate a brighter, more resonant auditory output may gravitate towards the V3 Creamy Purple Pro. Ultimately, the unique combination of materials not only defines the sonic variance but also frames the overall typing experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, we note significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, both of which are relatively light. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Cheese requires more force to initiate a keystroke, it feels less pronounced when bottoming out compared to the V3 Creamy Purple Pro. For users who prefer a lighter touch during long typing sessions or gaming, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro might be the better choice due to its lower actuation force, while those who favor a bit more resistance at the actuation may lean towards the Cheese, despite having a slightly heavier activation feel. Overall, the Cheese switch offers a stronger push experience, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides an easier actuation with more resistance at the bottom out, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, we see distinct differences that could cater to different user preferences. The HMX Cheese features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that if you’re looking for a switch with a more pronounced depth, the HMX Cheese, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel during key presses. On the other hand, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's shorter travel distance might appeal to gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation. Therefore, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer the deeper feel of the HMX Cheese or the snappy response of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 Cheese linear switch is characterized by its clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it an engaging option for those who appreciate audible feedback while typing. This lively sound combined with its ultra-light action creates a unique auditory experience that is likely to delight users who enjoy a more animated typing environment. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch presents a loud sound signature with a deeper, bassier pitch, owing to its pronounced tactile bump. This sound profile provides a more robust auditory feedback which complements the tactile nature of the switch and enhances the overall typing experience, catering to those who prefer a stronger acoustic presence.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch offers an unmatched smoothness and pristine typing experience. Its ultra-lightweight design, being lighter than 90% of all switches, contributes to a fluttering ease that makes it intuitive to use, ideal for those who enjoy rapid keystrokes without the resistance found in heavier switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a significant tactile bump that brings a substantial feel to each keystroke, giving the user clear indication of actuation. This tactile feedback is particularly satisfying for typists who enjoy the sensation of contact and need assurance of their inputs, creating a distinct contrast in typing experiences between the two switches.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switch excels in delivering a lightweight and smooth typing experience coupled with a lively sound, making it perfect for those who favor subtle auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out for its pronounced tactile bump and deeper sound, appealing to users who appreciate robust feedback and a more audible experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide satisfying results, but the choice ultimately hinges on whether you prefer a lighter, smoother feel or a more tactile engagement with auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize smoothness and a light feel, with a sound profile that offers a satisfying clack, the HMX Cheese switches are your best bet. They’re ideal for those who enjoy a more fluid typing experience and appreciate a distinct, poppy auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a noticeable tactile bump that enhances your keystrokes and a louder, bass-rich sound signature, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would serve you well. These switches cater to users who thrive on feeling the actuation point and enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience. Therefore, consider the type of feedback you prefer—smooth versus tactile—and the sound signature you desire when making your final decision.
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