Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the tactile feedback of switches like the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro against the smooth, uninterrupted experience offered by linear options such as the HMX Poro. The Creamy Purple Pro is renowned for its pronounced tactile bump, delivering a robust tactile feel along with a loud, bass-heavy sound signature that can enhance your typing experience, making it perfect for those who enjoy feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is celebrated for its ultra-smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that allows for an effortless glide. With a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, these switches are ideal for users who prefer a quieter and more seamless typing experience without the distracting tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal typing preferences and style. 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
3.70 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 Poro, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This unique characteristic arises from polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for clearer sound resonance. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder overall auditory experience. Consequently, one can anticipate that the V3's more defined sound signature will be markedly different from the Poro's warmer tones.
Moving on to their bottom housings, the similarities between the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Poro become apparent. Both switches are equipped with nylon bottom housings, which again deliver a rounded, fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic suggests that the bottom-out action and sound produced when the switch is fully engaged will feel quite similar when using either switch. Both nylon housings contribute to the muted vibrations and absorption of sound, providing a solid and satisfying experience whenever the keys are pressed down.
Ultimately, while the top housing of each switch introduces distinct auditory qualities, the nylon bottom housing ensures a common foundation for performance. Users can expect to enjoy a softer, deeper sound when bottoming out on either switch due to the shared material of the bottom housing. Therefore, regardless of the differences at the top, you'll likely experience comparably satisfying results when it comes to the overall sound and feel during typing or gaming sessions. By understanding how each housing affects the switch's sound profile, users can select their preferred model based on the auditory experience they desire.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces remain the same. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Poro has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial push feel when typing. Both switches, however, share an identical bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that despite their differences in initial keystroke resistance, users will experience the same level of resistance upon fully pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding typing feel and comfort, with the V3 Creamy Purple Pro being lighter and the HMX Poro offering a heavier option.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference in travel distance offers distinct tactile experiences: the Creamy Purple Pro provides a shorter, more responsive feel, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking quick response times. In contrast, the Poro's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress, offering a sense of depth that some users enjoy. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences—if you favor a brisk and snappy keystroke, the Akko V3 is the better option, whereas the HMX Poro suits those who appreciate a deeper and more deliberate pressing 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 HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 switch produces a distinct sound characterized by a loud, bassy quality that emphasizes a rich auditory experience. The sound signature can create a more pronounced acoustic profile, making typing feel energizing, especially in environments where typing noise may contribute to the ambiance. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a more subdued auditory experience with its silky smooth keystrokes, culminating in a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile. This sound can be particularly appealing for those who prefer a lively yet polished keystroke without the loudness associated with tactile switches.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch is notable for its prominent tactile bump, which provides a clear feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate for both rhythm and confirmation of actuation. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience, making it enjoyable and engaging. On the other hand, the HMX Poro switch is designed to deliver a smooth experience, thanks to meticulous lubrication that facilitates effortless glides. Although this switch lacks the tactile bump, it compensates with a fluid keystroke, appealing to those who prefer an uninterrupted typing flow without any tactile resistance.
In summary, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Poro offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its loud, bassy sound and prominent tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. Conversely, the HMX Poro foregrounds smoothness and a poppy sound, appealing to users who prioritize fluidity in their keystrokes. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide satisfying results, whether you lean towards a tactile experience or a smooth and seamless glide.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will guide your choice. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback that gives you a clear indication of actuation with a fuller sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the way to go. Its heavier tactile bump not only provides a satisfying sensation while typing, but its deeper bassy sounds can also enhance the overall typing experience for those who appreciate auditory feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with the tactile downsides stripped away, the HMX Poro linear switch is an excellent choice. Its lightweight actuation coupled with a silky smooth feel allows for rapid typing and gaming without distraction. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you seek the tactile engagement and louder feedback of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro or the effortless glide and subtle sound of the Poro linear switch. By considering how each switch aligns with your typing or gaming habits, you can select the one that will enhance your overall keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
