Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX KD200 offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its pronounced tactile bump, delivering a satisfying feedback with every keystroke along with a deeper, bass-heavy sound profile that some users find energizing during prolonged typing sessions. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a tactile sensation and audible feedback, enhancing the overall experience of writing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX KD200, recognized as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, provides a smooth linear action and a crisp sound that appeals to those who prefer quieter, uninterrupted keystrokes. The KD200 is ideal for gamers and those who favor swift, seamless transitions between keys without the tactile interruption. Each switch presents unique advantages, making them suitable for varying use cases—whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth, linear feel. 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
30g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX KD200, a clear distinction arises between their top housings, which utilize different materials—polycarbonate for the V3 and nylon for the KD200. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which enhances resonance. This characteristic makes it particularly suited for RGB lighting applications, as its translucency allows for the diffusion of light, creating an appealing visual effect. In contrast, the KD200 employs a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, contributing to a rounder and duller auditory experience. This difference in material impacts the overall sound signature of the switches, with users likely experiencing a different tonal quality depending on the switch they choose.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, highlighting a similarity that influences their performance during typing. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to a fuller, deeper sound profile, similar in both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the KD200. The sound absorption properties of nylon ensure that the bottoming-out experience remains satisfactory by minimizing potential clatter, as the housing dampens the impact noise. Consequently, while there is a contrasting effect created by the top housings, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users will find similarities in the feel and sound when the switch bottoms out. This parallel offers a degree of consistency in the tactile experience, despite the differences noted earlier.
Ultimately, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX KD200 switch offerings differ in their top housing materials, their bottom housings share a commonality that bridges the two. This blend of characteristics allows users to appreciate distinct auditory nuances from the top housing while still enjoying the rich and deeper sound encapsulated by the nylon bottom. For those seeking to choose between switches, understanding how the interplay of materials contributes to sound and feel is essential. If your preference leans towards a clear and vibrant sound, the V3 may appeal to you, while those who favor a fuller auditory experience may find the KD200 more to their liking. In both cases, the tactile typing experience is enhanced by the nylon bottoms, ensuring a satisfying performance regardless of the top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, we see a notable distinction in their actuation forces while both maintain the same bottom out force. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience and longer sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the KD200's actuation force is 45 grams, providing a firmer response that may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches, however, share an identical bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they reach the same resistance when fully pressed down. Thus, while the KD200 is heavier in terms of actuation, they ultimately bottom out at the same weight, giving you a uniform experience when fully engaging the keys regardless of your choice.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a slightly shallower option compared to the HMX KD200 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that for users seeking quick response times, particularly gamers, the Creamy Purple Pro's shorter travel distance may provide a more responsive feel. Conversely, the KD200’s longer travel distance of 3.5 mm is likely to offer a more substantial tactile experience, which some users may find preferable for improved typing feedback and a satisfying bottom-out feeling. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference: opting for the shorter 3 mm travel of the V3 may enhance speed, while the 3.5 mm travel of the KD200 caters to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.
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 KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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 produces a loud acoustic profile, characterized by a bassier pitch that adds a deep resonance to the typing experience. This noticeable auditory feedback not only signals each keystroke but also infuses a sense of satisfaction for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound. In contrast, the HMX KD200 switch is known for being the clackiest member of its family, which contributes a sharper, more high-pitched sound to the typing experience. This stark contrast in sound profiles means that users who prefer a deep, rich sound might gravitate towards the Creamy Purple Pro, while those who enjoy a more piercing, clacky effect might find the KD200 more appealing.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is recognized for its distinctive and invigorating tactile bump that provides clear feedback during typing. This tactile response can significantly enhance the typing experience, making it more engaging and helping with both typing accuracy and speed. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 is described as offering a different tactile sensation, although specific details about its feel are less highlighted. This means that while the Creamy Purple Pro is likely to provide a more dynamic tactile feedback, the KD200 may deliver a smoother experience that is typical of linear switches, but exact nuances remain unspecified.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX KD200 switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is favored for its deep, bassy sound and a pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. Conversely, the KD200 stands out for its clackiness, appealing to those who enjoy a sharper sound signature while potentially offering a smoother tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for auditory and tactile qualities, allowing users to select a switch that complements their typing style and sound preferences effectively.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and sound preferences. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback and do a lot of typing or coding, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be an excellent choice, particularly if you appreciate a louder, bass-heavy sound signature that adds a vibrant auditory experience to your keystrokes. The tactile bump can provide satisfying confirmation that you've registered a keypress, making your typing feel more engaged and rewarding. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a focus on speed—perhaps for gaming or fast-paced typing—the KD200 linear switch could be more suitable. Known for its clacky sound and a smoother actuation without any tactile bump, the KD200 allows for rapid key presses without distraction from tactile feedback, making it optimal for those who favor quick responsiveness over pronounced feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you value tactile engagement and sound in your typing experience, ensuring you select the switch that enhances your enjoyment and efficiency at the keyboard.
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