HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offer unique features catering to different preferences. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g, a linear switch, is praised for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force of 63.5g, providing a bright typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, stands out with its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, contributing to a delightful typing experience. Both switches have their own set of characteristics, with the Cloud - 63.5g being categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'High-pitched', while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro falls under 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers something unique, but ultimately it comes down to personal preferences and usage scenarios when choosing between them. 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
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes nylon for its top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile thanks to polycarbonate's stiffer plastic composition. While both materials offer their own unique sound characteristics, the nylon of the Cloud - 63.5g produces a duller and rounder sound compared to the resonant and clear sound of the polycarbonate in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housing materials of these switches, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilize nylon. This choice of material in the bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties, resulting in a similar typing experience for both switches. This consistency in housing material between the two switches offers a unified feel when pressing down on keys, as the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the qualities of the nylon bottom housing in both the Cloud - 63.5g and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro impact the sound profiles and typing experiences of each switch. While the nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g offers a deeper and fuller sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a sharper and crisper sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing feel for both switches, demonstrating how housing materials can contribute to the overall sound and tactile experience of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a medium-light feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for extended typing or gaming sessions, while individuals looking for a more substantial keystroke may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g. Additionally, the Cloud - 63.5g allows for a similar typing experience to the V3 Lavender Purple Pro by pressing slightly harder, giving users the flexibility to choose their preferred typing strength. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range commonly preferred by gamers for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant in terms of performance, but some individuals may notice a slightly quicker actuation with the HMX Cloud - 63.5g. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a touch more depth in keypress, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience with only a minor difference in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, providing sharp and bright sounds with each press. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch has a higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a more satisfying tactile bump during typing. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Cloud switch leaning towards a sharper sound and the Lavender Purple Pro switch offering a delightful combination of features.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is known for its bouncy and creamy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, combining a medium tactility with a lively rebound and a refined finish for a pleasurable typing experience. While the Cloud switch focuses on a silky smooth feel, the Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a mix of tactile feedback and responsiveness, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience.
Overall, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a clacky, high-pitched sound profile with a creamy, bouncy feel or a higher-pitched sound with an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished sensation, both switches provide a unique typing experience that can enhance your overall keyboarding enjoyment. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bright, clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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