Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two fascinating options emerge: the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch known for its pronounced tactile bump that delivers a satisfying feedback with each keystroke, accompanied by a bass-heavy sound signature that adds character to your typing experience. This switch appeals to typists who enjoy a lively and engaging feel while typing, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate auditory and tactile stimulation. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is a linear switch designed for a completely different experience. With its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, this switch offers a smooth, quiet operation that creates a serene typing environment, ideal for those who prefer silence or work in shared spaces. Each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles, making the choice between them a matter of personal taste. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits 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
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g feature contrasting housing materials that distinctly influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, praised for its ability to generate a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is primarily attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, which allows sound to resonate more clearly within the housing. In comparison, the Silent Sakura - 43g opts for a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's soft properties, which absorb more sound and create a rounder auditory experience. These differences in material composition suggest that the Akko switch will create a more pronounced sound when releasing a key, while the HMX switch will offer a softer tone during the same action.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a further contrast in the sound characteristics. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro employs a nylon bottom housing, allowing for a duller, more muted sound when bottoming out due to nylon's impact-absorbing qualities. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, promoting a sharper sound profile during key presses. This inversion of materials between the two switches signifies that the Akko switch will deliver a more subdued bottom-out experience, while the HMX switch will exhibit a brighter and more resonant noise when a key is fully pressed down. Hence, the overall sound and feel of the switches will significantly differ depending on which key is pressed, showcasing the impact of material choice on user experience.
Despite these material differences, both switches offer unique tactile feedback and sound profiles that cater to varying user preferences. For enthusiasts who enjoy the crisper sound associated with polycarbonate, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro may be preferable in an RGB-enabled setup due to its clear housing enhancing light effects. On the other hand, users who appreciate a fuller and quieter typing experience may gravitate towards the Silent Sakura - 43g with its softer nylon housing. Ultimately, while the switches present contrasting materials, both can achieve satisfying results within different contexts. Those who prioritize sound profile, key feel, or aesthetics must evaluate their specific needs to select between the two options, as both switches deliver unique yet enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch with an actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams to the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, which has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is lighter overall, making it a more suitable choice for prolonged typing or gaming due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. In contrast, the Silent Sakura requires a stronger push to actuate and bottom out, offering a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer heavier switches. While both switches are categorized as light in terms of overall weight, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the lighter option, providing easier keystrokes, whereas the Silent Sakura offers a firmer feel. As a result, users may choose the V3 for comfort during extended use, while the Silent Sakura caters to those who favor tactile feedback and a more forceful input.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch highlights a key difference in their design and intended use. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it a shallower switch favoring quicker response times, which is often preferred by gamers seeking a more responsive experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g has a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with traditional switch designs that provide a deeper, more substantial feel when pressed, which some users may appreciate for its satisfying feedback. Therefore, while both switches serve to enhance typing experiences, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a shorter travel distance for those favoring speed, whereas the Silent Sakura - 43g provides a longer travel distance for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel.
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 Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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
The sound signature of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch can be characterized as loud and pronounced, with a bassier pitch that tends to capture attention with each keystroke. This audio profile makes it well-suited for enthusiasts who enjoy the auditory feedback that accompanies their typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch offers a vastly different auditory experience, designed for minimal noise. It is engineered to produce a soft, gentle sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops, creating a more serene and discreet typing environment. Ultimately, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a bold sound that punctuates each action, the Silent Sakura provides a quiet, unobtrusive experience, catering to those who prefer silence.
When it comes to the tactile feel of the switches, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is recognized for its generous tactile bump, delivering a satisfying feedback that enhances the typing experience. This robust tactile sensation allows typists to feel each keystroke, making it particularly ideal for those who appreciate physical responsiveness in their switches. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is a linear switch that is designed to be ultra-light, offering a smooth and effortless keypress without any tactile resistance. For light typists, the Sakura provides a seamless experience that allows for fast and fluid typing, lacking the pronounced feedback of the Creamy Purple Pro. Thus, while the former focuses on a robust tactile presence, the latter emphasizes a smooth, quiet travel across the key.
In conclusion, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g largely depends on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro excels in providing an engaging auditory and tactile experience with its pronounced bump and loud sound, making it perfect for those who revel in feedback. Conversely, the Silent Sakura emphasizes a quiet operation and a smooth keystroke, catering to users who value a serene typing atmosphere. Both switches offer unique characteristics that serve different typing preferences, allowing newcomers to find what best aligns with their personal style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and don’t mind the accompanying loud sound signature, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is an excellent choice, particularly if you want a switch that provides clear feedback with each keystroke. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a more engaging typing experience and thrive in louder settings where the sound is less of a concern. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter and more understated typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g excels with its smooth linear feel and whisper-quiet operation, making it perfect for shared workspaces or late-night productivity where you want to minimize noise disruption. Given its ultra-light actuation force of 43 grams, this switch is particularly well-suited for lighter typists or those who value a serene environment while typing. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by how you prioritize tactile feedback versus noise levels in your typing experience.
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