Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Deep Navy offer distinct yet compelling experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out for its pronounced tactile bump, providing satisfying feedback with each keystroke that many typists and gamers appreciate. Coupled with a loud and bassier sound profile, this switch is ideal for those who enjoy the auditory satisfaction of their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy is a linear switch that delivers a smooth and effortless keypress, making it perfect for gamers seeking rapid actuation without the distraction of tactile feedback or loud sounds. Crafted with a full nylon construction and a silky Ly stem, the Deep Navy promotes a serene typing atmosphere. Both switches have their unique strengths: choose the Creamy Purple Pro for an engaging tactile experience or opt for the Deep Navy for fluidity and quiet performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Deep Navy, notable differences emerge between their top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency, allowing for a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. This material enhances the clarity of the sound, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, as the polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing that provides a deeper, fuller sound profile. While nylon is a classic material in mechanical switches, its softer nature tends to absorb sound more than harder materials like polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder tonal quality. Therefore, the sound experience when typing on each switch will be distinctly different based on these varying top housing materials.
However, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which further unifies their sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing in both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Deep Navy contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, as nylon's softer properties help to dampen sound and create a rounded acoustical response. Consequently, regardless of the differences in their top housings, users can expect similar characteristics in terms of depth and fullness when pressing the keys of either switch due to the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing. This consistency means that while the sounds produced during the key release may differ due to the variation in top housing materials, the overall typing experience is complemented by the sonic qualities that nylon consistently offers.
Ultimately, the differing materials for the top housings lead to contrasting sound profiles when the switches are engaged and released. The rigidity of the polycarbonate top housing in the V3 Creamy Purple Pro makes it more suitable for producing sharper sound, especially when the key is released. Meanwhile, the nylon top housing of the Deep Navy absorbs sound to create a darker tone as the key is pressed down and released. Nonetheless, the presence of nylon across both switches' bottom housings means that the key bottom-out characteristics will retain a level of similarity in sound, providing both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and HMX Deep Navy with their unique yet somewhat comparable auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, we see a distinction in their actuation forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, while the Deep Navy requires 40 grams for actuation, making it the heavier of the two. Both switches feature a relatively low bottom out force, with the Creamy Purple Pro at 50 grams and the Deep Navy slightly lighter at 45 grams. This means that while both switches are generally suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may appeal to users who prefer a gentler keystroke and lower resistance, whereas the HMX Deep Navy provides a firmer push that some users might find offers more feedback during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, we find that they differ significantly. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it one of the more shallow options available, ideal for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Deep Navy switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, providing a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. Thus, if you are looking for a switch that offers a shorter travel distance for enhanced responsiveness, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, whereas the Deep Navy would be suited for those who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke with its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch is characterized by a loud sound signature that leans toward a bassier pitch. This distinctive auditory quality often catches the attention of users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch presents a rich, sharp sound profile, benefiting from its full nylon construction that contributes to a more refined acoustic experience. Users may find the Deep Navy switch to offer smoother sounds that provide a different auditory pleasure compared to the Creamy Purple Pro, which is quite loud.
When considering the feel of each switch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is well-known for its invigorating tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback with each keystroke that many typists and gamers appreciate for its clear engagement. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is lauded for its silky smoothness, thanks to the Ly stem that allows for a seamless keystroke action. This smoothness creates a different typing sensation, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer, uninterrupted experience without the tactile feedback that the Creamy Purple Pro provides.
In conclusion, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Deep Navy switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you enjoy a more tactile and louder typing experience, the Creamy Purple Pro is a compelling choice. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth and refined sound experience with seamless keystrokes, the Deep Navy may suit you better. Each switch presents unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, and understanding these nuances is key to enjoying the mechanical keyboard experience to its fullest.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, along with a louder, bassier sound signature, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force offers a satisfying resistance that many typists find rewarding, particularly for those who enjoy a more engaging and responsive feel when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter operation with a sleek and silky feel, the HMX Deep Navy switch may be the better option for you. With its 45-gram bottom-out force and rich, sharp sound profile, the Deep Navy excels in providing a more subtle yet refined experience, making it ideal for gaming or long typing sessions without overwhelming audio feedback. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so consider your priorities in tactility and sound when making your final decision.
Mentioned in this article
