HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often stand out are the HMX Cloud - 50g, a linear switch, and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch. The Cloud - 50g is revered for its clacky sound profile and lighter 50g actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a brighter, smoother typing experience. This switch caters to enthusiasts who appreciate the seamless gliding sensation while typing, perfect for gaming and fast-paced typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a more dynamic experience with its tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, providing satisfying feedback that is both accented and bouncy. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy the sensation of tactile feedback, making each keystroke feel rewarding. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize smoothness and brightness or tactile engagement and feedback in your typing experience. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, significant differences arise, especially in the top housing materials. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer texture. This soft plastic contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which enhances the sharper, higher-pitched tones. This material's stiffness allows for crisper sound resonance, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more vibrant auditory experience. Notably, if aesthetics matter, the clear nature of polycarbonate also enables effective illumination for RGB lighting, allowing for a visually striking keyboard setup.
On the bottom housing front, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro feature nylon materials. This commonality means that, regardless of the differences in the top housing, both switches will share similar auditory characteristics when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing qualities. Consequently, while the top housings diverge in their sound profiles—deep and rounded for nylon versus sharp and crisp for polycarbonate—the nylon bottoms ensure a consistent foundational auditory experience across both switches.
Ultimately, the differences in the top and bottom housing materials result in a unique typing experience for each keyboard. While the nylon bottom housing of both switches guarantees that the bottom-out sound and feel remain consistent, the various top housing materials create contrasting acoustic environments when keys are released. A typist may expect a more mellow typing experience from the Cloud - 50g due to the nylon top, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro will deliver a livelier feedback due to its polycarbonate composition. This split in housing characteristics means that users can choose based on personal preference, achieving distinct auditory results tailored to their typing style.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch with the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, classifying it as a light option ideal for extended use during typing or gaming. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it as a medium-light switch. Therefore, for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the HMX Cloud is the preferable choice, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might find the Akko switch more appealing. Both switches can deliver a satisfying keystroke, but the Cloud will require less force overall, contributing to a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that, while both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a deeper key press which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. Conversely, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, your choice between these two should reflect your personal preference for key feel and 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 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 Cloud - 50g linear switch produces a clacky sound profile that creates an engaging auditory experience for enthusiasts who favor a bright typing atmosphere. This adds a lively character to each keystroke, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate audible feedback while typing. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound profile that further enhances the typing experience with its tactile bump. Each press generates a distinctive sound that satisfies those who prefer a more structured auditory feedback without becoming overwhelming. The choice of board and keycaps can affect the overall sound quality, but both switches promise a captivating aural experience tailored to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g boasts a silky smoothness, ideal for those seeking effortless key travel without any resistance. This smooth tactile experience allows for fast typing with minimal disruption, making it great for gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro presents a range of fascinating tactile qualities. It is characterized as an accented switch, striking a balance between a noticeable tactile bump and a smooth actuation. This switch also exhibits a bouncy feel, providing a sense of elasticity with each key press, while its snappy responsiveness keeps the user engaged and allows for lively typing. The polished finish contributes to a high-quality experience, reducing friction and ensuring fluid key travel. Users can expect a compelling tactile engagement that encourages a more dynamic typing rhythm.
In summary, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches bring unique characteristics to the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Cloud - 50g excels in providing a smooth and clacky typing experience, catering to those who appreciate a lighter touch and brightness in sound. Conversely, the Lavender Purple Pro offers a more tactile and textured engagement, complete with a pronounced tactile bump and a lively responsiveness that caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a balance of smoothness and tactile feedback. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, selecting either switch could enhance your typing experience, creating a personalized mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that allows for rapid key presses, coupled with a clacky sound profile and a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is a fantastic option. This switch caters to those who enjoy a brighter typing experience with less resistance. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more traditional typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, then the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is your go-to. Its medium-light bottom out force provides a balance between comfort and feedback, complemented by its lively, bouncy feel and polished finish. The snappy response of the Lavender Purple Pro makes it ideal for both gaming and typing tasks, ensuring that each keystroke is both enjoyable and precise. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing you value most—whether it's the smoothness and lighter actuation of the Cloud - 50g or the tactile richness and robust feedback of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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