HMX Cheese vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the HMX Cheese, a linear switch, and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch. The HMX Cheese switches are praised for their unmatched smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, contributing to a delightful typing experience. The HMX Cheese switches are lighter than 90% of all switches, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches are categorized as 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its unique strengths and characteristics, making them appealing choices for different preferences and typing styles. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
The HMX Cheese and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both feature nylon top housings, which provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. However, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cheese. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Cheese offering a duller and rounder sound while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a clearer and more resonant sound.
In terms of bottom housings, both the HMX Cheese and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro feature nylon bottom housings, which again contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users can expect a consistent typing experience when it comes to the sound and feel of bottoming out the keys. However, the difference in top housing materials between the two switches may still lead to variations in sound profile when pressing and releasing keys.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboards plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While both the HMX Cheese and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offer nylon bottom housings for a deep and full sound, their contrasting top housing materials result in different sound characteristics. Users looking for a duller and rounder sound may prefer the Cheese with nylon top housing, while those seeking a sharper and crisper sound may favor the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro with polycarbonate top housing. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials impacts the overall sound profile and feel of the switches during typing.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cheese switch requires 46 grams, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch needs 55 grams to fully bottom out. This makes the Cheese switch lighter overall in both actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Cheese switch more comfortable for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cheese switch. A shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm can provide a faster response time, which may be preferred by gamers looking for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm can offer a more substantial feel when typing, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 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
The HMX Cheese linear switch stands out for its distinct smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers a delightful typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump. When it comes to sound, the Cheese provides a unique auditory experience, while the Lavender Purple Pro offers a different, yet enjoyable sound profile. In terms of feel, the Cheese's description is not provided, but the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is highlighted as having an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, making it a versatile choice for those seeking a tactile typing sensation. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will have an enjoyable typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cheese linear switch or the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, it really comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth and pristine typing experience, along with a clacky and poppy sound profile, then the HMX Cheese switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-light switch with a higher-pitched sound profile, a satisfying tactile bump, and a combination of features like accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, then the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what typing experience and sound profile you prefer for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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