Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Lucky present distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is renowned for its pronounced tactile bump and a robust, bass-heavy acoustics, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a feedback-rich environment and are fond of audible keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switches offer a lightweight and smooth experience due to their softer, glittery nylon housings, appealing to those who prefer a linear switch that delivers a more subtle yet satisfying keypress without the interruption of noise. Each switch caters to varying desires for tactile feedback and sound, with the Creamy Purple Pro shining in tactile engagement and auditory presence, while the Lucky emphasizes fluidity and comfort during typing. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Lucky exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affect their sound profiles. The V3 features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This attribute allows for a more transparent and resonant audio experience, particularly appealing for users who enjoy a crisper sound. In contrast, the Lucky employs a nylon top housing, a material that offers a softer feel, yielding a fuller and deeper sound profile. The softer nylon absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the V3 is tailored for those seeking clarity, the Lucky caters to users who prefer a mellow and enveloping sound.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in shared acoustic characteristics in this area. The nylon material in the bottom of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro effectively contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to that of the HMX Lucky. This similarity ensures that, regardless of the differing top housing materials, both switches will exhibit a consistent quality in their bottom-out sound and feel, thanks to the inherent attributes of nylon. Therefore, when actuating these switches, users can expect a comparable auditory richness that accompanies the keypresses.
Overall, the specific choice and combination of materials in both switches highlight the distinct approaches taken by Akko and HMX in crafting their keyboard experiences. The V3 is designed for those who appreciate the heightened clarity synonymous with polycarbonate, achieving brightness in sound, especially during release. Meanwhile, the Lucky aims to provide a cozy and softened acoustic experience through its nylon top. However, both switches achieve a harmonious melding of sound profiles in their nylon bottoms, allowing users to enjoy a rich and full typing experience regardless of their choice of top housing material. Thus, while preferences may vary based on sound profile desires, both switches ultimately cater to a diverse range of user tastes.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, compared to the HMX Lucky's 37 grams, making the Akko switch easier to press and potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Creamy Purple Pro is 50 grams, which is heavier than the Lucky's 43 grams. This means that while the Akko switch is easier to actuate, it provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, contrasting with the softer bottom out of the Lucky switch. For users who prefer a lighter touch for long periods of use, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be more suitable, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial push feel might lean towards the HMX Lucky.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, there is a notable difference. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the HMX Lucky features a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation and faster response times. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Lucky switch could be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper, more deliberate keystroke, which may feel less abrupt. This distinction highlights how the choice of switch can significantly affect the typing experience based on personal preferences regarding depth and responsiveness.
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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch boasts a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, contributing to an invigorating auditory experience that can energize your typing sessions. This switch can be quite prominent in a setting, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy pronounced acoustics while typing. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch offers a more subtle sound profile, which leans towards a softer and neutral character, allowing for a quieter typing experience. Due to this variance, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will cater more to those who appreciate auditory feedback, while the Lucky switch will appeal to those seeking a more discreet sound environment.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is known for its large, invigorating tactile bump, providing a pronounced feedback that enhances the typing experience and allows typists to register key presses with noticeable physicality. This tactile characteristic makes it ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch offers a deeply satisfying and neutral typing feel. Its smooth action provides a more streamlined experience, which can be particularly enjoyable for those who prefer an effortless key press without the pronounced bump.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch delivers an engaging sound and pronounced tactile feedback, the HMX Lucky linear switch provides a more subdued acoustic profile and a smooth, effortless typing experience. The choice between these switches ultimately hinges on personal preference, particularly in terms of how much auditory and tactile feedback you desire. For those who enjoy a loud, tactile typing experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro will be satisfying, while those seeking a quieter and smoother feel will find the Lucky switch more to their liking.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, it’s essential to consider your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback and a more dynamic sound characteristic—especially if you relish the audible click and tactile bump that can enhance your typing experience—the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be your ideal choice. Its heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams ensures a satisfying yet deliberate actuation that can be particularly rewarding for typists who appreciate the physical feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a lighter touch and a more subdued sound profile, the HMX Lucky switch is likely the better option for you. With its lower bottom-out force of 43 grams, you can enjoy long typing sessions without feeling fatigued, and the neutral feel of the Lucky switch is perfect for those who value speed and responsiveness, especially in gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound over a smooth and quiet operation.
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