HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, two switches that offer distinctly different typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, known for its lighter actuation force and clacky sound profile, appeals to those who seek a smooth and bright typing experience, perfect for long hours of typage without fatigue. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is designed for users who appreciate a pronounced tactile bump and a bassier sound signature, providing satisfying feedback with each keypress. This makes the Creamy Purple Pro ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and auditory typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference—whether you prioritize a lighter, smoother action or a tactile, more responsive feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, a contrast emerges primarily in the composition of their top housings. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties that promote a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic results from nylon's ability to absorb sound, creating a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Conversely, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which engenders a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its appeal for RGB lighting, allowing for vivid illumination effects that are less pronounced in the nylon variant.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which plays a crucial role in defining the overall typing feel and bottom-out sound. The bottom housing's material tends to absorb and dampen sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller auditory experience similar to that of the Cloud - 50g. Thus, even though the top and bottom housings utilize different materials in the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent sound signature that mirrors the profound and rounded acoustics provided by the Cloud - 50g's nylon components. This shared nylon characteristic allows both switches to deliver a satisfying typing experience with that muted resonance characteristic of softer plastics.
In essence, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro display contrasting top housing materials—nylon for the former and polycarbonate for the latter—they converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. The unique interplay of softer and stiffer materials across both switches impacts their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The nylon bottom of both switches can provide a semblance of similarity, especially in the bottom-out experience, while the differing top housings will uniquely influence the sound output when a key is released. Essentially, the material distinction leads to varied auditory experiences, allowing typists to choose based on their preference for either a full-bodied sound or a bright, resonant tone.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, a distinct difference in actuation force emerges. The Cloud - 50g requires an actuation force of 42 grams, whereas the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is notably lighter with an actuation force of just 30 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating they require the same force to press all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter touch and easier keystrokes, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better option, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its heavier actuation force, offers a more substantial feel that some typists might seek for tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, we find that the Cloud switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the HMX Cloud - 50g the better choice for users who prefer a more traditional, deeper feel when pressing keys, as it offers a more pronounced feedback with its longer travel distance. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro caters to those who prioritize responsiveness, making it suitable for gamers who appreciate faster key actuation. As shorter travel distances have been gaining popularity for enhancing quick response times, the Akko switch's more shallow actuation might feel too abrupt for some users accustomed to a more substantial key press. Therefore, the choice of switch depends on individual preferences for depth versus rapid responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g for $2.99.
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 Cloud - 50g linear switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile, creating a bright auditory experience that many typing enthusiasts find enjoyable. This switch produces a crisp sound that can be quite engaging, especially in light of its lighter actuation force. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a loud sound signature with a pitch that leans toward the bassier side, offering a more robust auditory feedback with each keystroke. This difference in sound profiles means that while both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, they cater to different preferences: the Cloud - 50g for those who favor a high-pitched, clacky sound and the Creamy Purple Pro for users who appreciate a deeper, more resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is well-regarded for its silky smooth action, allowing for a seamless typing experience without any noticeable resistance until the actuation point. This quality makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a fluid, uninterrupted typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro provides a pronounced tactile bump that can be invigorating during use. This tactile feedback offers clear actuation cues, making it preferable for typists who enjoy a more interactive and physically engaging experience while typing. Thus, the HMX Cloud - 50g is more suited for users seeking smoothness, while the Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different typing styles. The Cloud - 50g provides a bright, clacky sound with a smooth feel, appealing to those who prefer a fluid typing experience. Conversely, the Creamy Purple Pro features a louder, bassier sound and an invigorating tactile bump, attracting users who value solid feedback with each keypress. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either of these switches can deliver an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth typing experience with a clacky sound profile that brightens your setup, the Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its light bottom-out force makes it ideal for rapid typing and extended use without fatigue, making it perfect for gamers and typists who favor speed and fluidity. On the other hand, if you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback that offers a satisfying bump with each keystroke, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the way to go. Its bassier sound and robust tactile response can enhance your typing experience, providing a more engaging and deliberate feel that many users find rewarding, especially in typing-focused tasks. Both switches have a bottom-out force of 50 grams, so the decision between the two comes down to whether you prioritize a smoother, lighter motion or a tactile, responsive feel. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing you value most, and that will guide you to the switch that complements your keyboard journey.
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