Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch, renowned for its pronounced tactile bump that not only provides physical feedback but also delivers a loud, bassy sound signature that enthusiasts often find satisfying during typing sessions. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more engaging and audible experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea is a linear switch, celebrated for its impeccably smooth keystrokes and neutral sound profile, making it an ideal option for users who prioritize a quieter and more fluid typing experience. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to individual preference—whether one craves the tactile feedback of the Creamy Purple Pro or the seamless glide of the Orange Sea. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
37g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Haimu Orange Sea both employ polycarbonate for their top housings, thereby resembling each other in certain acoustic characteristics. The choice of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity and clarity. This property makes both switches suitable for users who appreciate the clarity and resonance that polycarbonate offers, particularly when RGB lighting is involved. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of both switches, allowing RGB lights to shine through and create an engaging experience.
In contrast, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces a different dimension to their sound profiles. The use of nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound experience, as the softness of the material absorbs more sound waves compared to harder plastics. This characteristic fosters a rounder and more muted auditory feedback upon keypress. Consequently, while the top housings of both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Haimu Orange Sea contribute to the crispness felt when releasing a key, the bottom housings help produce a warm and rich sound when bottoming out, creating a harmonious blend in the overall typing experience.
Despite their different physical appearances, the shared materials in both the top and bottom housings of these switches create a cohesive acoustic experience. By employing similar materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—users can expect a comparable sound profile characterized by clarity from the tops and depth from the bottoms. Both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and Haimu Orange Sea provide a balanced auditory experience that combines sharpness and warmth, making them appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a rich typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, a noticeable distinction in actuation force emerges. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro requires an actuation force of 30 grams, making it lighter and easier to press, which can facilitate prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea has a slightly higher actuation force of 37 grams, offering a firmer push that may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel during use. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro exhibits a greater resistance, with a bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Orange Sea’s 45 grams. This means that while both switches are categorized as light, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option overall, making it suitable for users seeking less resistance during typing, while the Haimu Orange Sea provides a balance with its firmer actuation. Thus, if you favor a lighter switch for extended use, the V3 will be the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a slightly stronger feedback, the Orange Sea is a solid alternative.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that is ideal for gamers seeking quicker key presses. In contrast, the longer 3.6 mm travel distance of the Orange Sea provides a more pronounced depth, which some users may find more satisfying for general typing or for those who prefer a less abrupt switching experience. Therefore, if quick responsiveness is your priority, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be the better choice, whereas the Haimu Orange Sea could appeal to those valuing a more substantial tactile experience.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 per 10 switches.
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 delivers a loud audio profile characterized by a bassier tone, making it more assertive and noticeable with every keypress. This can be especially appealing to those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers a neutral sound signature that is much quieter and subdued in comparison. The lack of a prominent click or bump results in a more discreet keystroke, which may suit users looking for a more serene typing experience. However, it's important to note that sound can be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard build and keycap materials.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is renowned for its large and invigorating tactile bump, providing a strong physical response that many users find satisfying. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience, helping with accuracy and making it easier to feel when a key has been actuated. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea emphasizes an impeccably smooth typing experience, typical of linear switches. This smoothness allows for rapid key presses without interruption, making it highly desirable for those who prefer a seamless glide without any tactile feedback to contend with.
In summary, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard realm. If you enjoy an audible, tactile response, the Creamy Purple Pro is a fitting choice, while the Orange Sea will appeal to those who prioritize smoothness and a quieter operation. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results, but they are distinctly different in feel and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek from your keyboard. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and don’t mind a louder sound profile that is rich and bassy, then the V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be the perfect choice for you. This switch is particularly suited for typists who appreciate feedback and a more engaging typing experience, making it ideal for those who type a lot or prioritize a dynamic sound while gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear feel and a quieter typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea switch should be your go-to. With its impeccably smooth action and neutral sound signature, this switch caters well to gamers and typists looking for consistency without extra noise. Ultimately, consider the nature of your tasks, your sensitivity to sound, and whether you prefer a tactile response or a fluid typing experience as you make your decision.
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