Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly influence your typing experience. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch celebrated for its prominent tactile bump, delivering satisfying feedback with each keystroke, complemented by a rich, bass-heavy sound signature that adds an auditory dimension to the typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus switch offers a linear feel, boasting a medium actuation force of 50g and a bright, resonant sound. Its design provides a smooth, bouncy sensation, making each press feel light and effortless, perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more fluid typing experience. While the Creamy Purple Pro excels in providing tactile feedback and sound, the Lotus attracts those who appreciate the seamlessness of linear switches. 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
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
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Lotus exhibit distinct materials for their top housing, which significantly affects their sound profiles. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and clarity, creating a sharper and crisper sound when the key is released. This property is ideal for users who prefer a more defined auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, a material that is recognized for its softer characteristics. The nylon absorbs more sound waves, leading to a deeper and rounder sound profile, which may resonate better with users who favor a more subdued auditory experience. While both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, the differing top housing materials will lead to unique auditory perceptions that cater to varied preferences.
For the bottom housing, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Lotus use nylon, which ensures a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile on key presses. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound contributes to a rounder feel when a key bottoms out, providing a softer tactile experience for users. As the bottom housing generally affects the sound and feel of the key when pressed down, this shared characteristic between the two switches can create a degree of similarity in the user experience, despite the differences in their top housings. Therefore, users may find that the overall tactile feedback when bottoming out is consistently rewarding in both switches, even if the top housing contributes differently to the total sound profile.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Lotus allow for diverse auditory experiences. If you are looking for a sharper, more pronounced sound during key releases, the V3's polycarbonate top housing would meet that need. Conversely, if a softer, more subdued auditory feedback upon release is preferred, the Lotus's nylon top housing will provide that outcome. However, since both share nylon for their bottom housing, users will enjoy a similar depth and fullness when pressing down on the keys, making both switches suitable for varying preferences while maintaining some shared characteristics in their overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch to the HMX Lotus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, although their bottom out forces are the same. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to press down and ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that many may prefer for its tactile feedback. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that once pressed fully down, they require the same force to reach the bottom. Thus, while both switches are categorized as light based on their bottom out forces, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is inherently lighter in actuation, whereas the HMX Lotus offers a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, noticeable differences emerge. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the HMX Lotus offers a greater travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Lotus switch, with its longer travel distance of 3.5 mm, could provide a more pronounced keystroke feel, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a deeper typing experience. Conversely, the shorter 3 mm distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may cater to those seeking a more responsive and quicker feedback during keypresses, making it a favored option particularly among gamers. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the more abrupt response of the shorter switch or the hearty depth found in the longer travel 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 Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus 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 V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by a loud sound signature that tends toward the bassier side, which can create a more pronounced and deep auditory experience. The Akko switch's sound can be invigorating, especially for those who enjoy the acoustic feedback of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switches produce a bright, resonant sound that may feel crisper and more elevated. This difference in auditory experience can significantly affect how satisfying the typing experience feels for different users, and both switches can deliver their unique sound dynamics, influenced also by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When considering the feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is recognized for its large, invigorating tactile bump, providing a distinctly noticeable resistance that enhances the typing experience. This tactile feedback can create a sense of engagement with each keypress. In contrast, the HMX Lotus features a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, coupled with a super bouncy sensation that offers a lightweight and responsive feel during typing. This design allows for a smooth flow when typing, making every keystroke feel delightful. Users who enjoy a pronounced tactile experience may lean toward the Creamy Purple Pro, while those preferring a bouncier and fluid motion may appreciate the Lotus.
In conclusion, while both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and HMX Lotus switches cater to distinct preferences, they each possess qualities that can enhance the typing experience in their own right. The Creamy Purple Pro’s deeper sound and tactile bump provide an engaging experience, while the Lotus’s bright sound and bouncy feel offer a light and smooth keystroke. Ultimately, your ideal choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or fluidity in your typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback and don't mind a louder sound profile, the Creamy Purple Pro would be a great fit. Its invigorating tactile bump will provide satisfying confirmation of keystrokes, making it an excellent option for typing and gaming where tactile feedback can enhance your experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a more bouncy feel and a bright, resonant sound, the HMX Lotus switch might be the better choice. This can be particularly appealing if you plan to do a lot of fast-paced typing or gaming that benefits from a quick response without the distraction of a tactile bump. Both switches share the same bottom-out force of 50 grams, making them relatively light to press, but your preference for sound and feel will undoubtedly guide your ultimate choice.
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