Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Jelly present two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its prominent tactile bump, which provides satisfying feedback for typists and gamers alike, complemented by a loud and bassier sound profile that enhances the auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switches offer a smooth and linear feel, with a low-pitched, thocky sound that is remarkably satisfying without the sharpness of a tactile switch. The Jelly’s lightweight design, requiring only 42g of actuation force, makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. While the Creamy Purple Pro might appeal to those who enjoy tactile feedback and a robust sound, the HMX Jelly is ideal for users seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Jelly switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct auditory experiences. The V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer plastic composition that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This makes the switch capable of producing a crisper sound, particularly accentuated when the switch is released. In contrast, the HMX Jelly's top housing is made of nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs sound to create a deeper and rounder auditory experience. While both switches may provide satisfying typing feedback, the contrasting materials lead to significant differences in how that feedback is perceived.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both switches use nylon, which allows for consistency in the lower end of the sound profile. Nylon's inherent qualities ensure that both switches deliver a fuller and deeper sound when the switches bottom out, with a sound that feels more robust and rounded. This shared nylon material allows for a cohesive auditory experience across the switches, particularly during key presses. Thus, while the top housings differ crucially in the sounds they generate upon release, the nylon bottom housing in both switches helps deliver a satisfying and deep sound upon bottoming out.
The differences between the housing materials in the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Jelly switches are particularly evident in their sound profiles, highlighting how housing material impacts auditory feedback in mechanical keyboards. The polycarbonate top of the V3 produces a sharp resonance, while the nylon top of the Jelly results in a more subdued, robust sound. However, both switches dodge the pitfalls of harshness thanks to their shared nylon bottom housing, which offers a consistent foundation for a fuller sound during key presses. As a result, even though the switches may evoke different auditory sensations due to their varying top housing materials, they can both deliver a rich and enjoyable typing experience when observed through the lens of their shared nylon bottom housing characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force reveal distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams, while its bottom out force is slightly lighter at 48 grams. This makes the Jelly switch a bit heavier overall in terms of actuation feel, appealing to those who like a more robust typing experience. Thus, while both switches can be considered light, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option for actuation, while the HMX Jelly offers a more substantial feel with its higher actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there is a notable difference in their travel distances. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shallower option that may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the HMX Jelly, with a travel distance of 3.8 mm, offers a deeper and more pronounced feel for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Thus, the Jelly switch is the longer travel option, whereas the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the shorter one. For users who enjoy a more responsive experience, the shorter travel of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be preferable, while those who favor a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes might lean towards the HMX Jelly switch.
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 Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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 switch delivers a loud and bass-heavy acoustic profile that is quite invigorating. The prominent tactile bump contributes to a sound signature that resonates with a deep and punchy note, providing an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch offers a low-pitched, thocky sound that is both satisfying and subdued compared to the Creamy Purple Pro. This switch's deep sound, enhanced by its excellent factory lubrication, creates a smooth auditory experience that many typists find desirable. Together, these switches cater to different sound preferences—one being more pronounced, and the other being more subdued, yet equally rewarding.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by its pronounced tactile bump, offering a clear feedback that many users appreciate while typing or gaming. This tactile response creates a distinct sensation that enhances typing accuracy and guarantees satisfying engagement with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch features a linear feel, which is exceptionally smooth due to its light 42g actuation force and effective lubrication. The absence of tactile feedback can lead to a different typing experience that is more fluid and less interrupted, making it an attractive option for those who prefer a seamless keypress without bumps.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and HMX Jelly switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Creamy Purple Pro offers a loud, bassy sound and significant tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Jelly switch provides a softer, thocky sound and a smooth linear feel, which is great for those who prioritize seamless key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on individual preferences for sound profile and typing sensation, allowing users to find the perfect match for their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump that provides visual feedback with each keystroke and appreciate a loud, bass-heavy sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would suit you well. This switch is ideal for typists who crave that tactile sensation and often find joy in the sound of their keyboard during long sessions of writing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a quieter typing experience, the HMX Jelly linear switch would be your best bet. With its low actuation force and thocky sound signature, it offers a buttery-smooth feel perfect for rapid typing or gaming where precision is key. In essence, consider your priorities: for a tactile and auditory experience, go for the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro; for a smooth and stealthy operation, choose the HMX Jelly. Ultimately, both switches provide unique experiences tailored to different preferences, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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