Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g often comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and acoustics. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is celebrated for its prominent tactile bump and a loud, bass-heavy sound signature, making it an engaging choice for gamers and typists who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a completely different experience with its linear design, which provides a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and a whisper-quiet operation that is perfect for office environments or shared spaces. While the Creamy Purple Pro caters to those who enjoy a more tactile, auditory experience, the Silent Sakura appeals to those seeking a discreet yet satisfying typing feel. 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
53g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, we can observe that both switches utilize distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to varying auditory and tactile experiences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances sound resonance, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy the clear, crisp sound of their keystrokes—especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g has a nylon top housing which creates a deeper, fuller sound. The softer properties of nylon absorb more sound, providing a rounder auditory experience that caters to a different type of user—typically those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a reverse scenario: the V3 Creamy Purple Pro employs a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Sakura utilizes polycarbonate. This combination leads to an interesting interplay of sound and feel as the switch is engaged. The nylon bottom housing provides that characteristic deeper and fuller sound, enhancing the overall acoustic profile when bottoming out. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a crisper and more resonant sound on impact, creating a more pronounced auditory response. Thus, the two switches exhibit notable contrasts in their auditory characteristics depending on the interplay between the different materials at the top and bottom.
Ultimately, both switch designs yield unique typing experiences due to their differing materials. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro delivers a combination of crispness from the polycarbonate top and depth from the nylon bottom, appealing to users who enjoy a clear yet rich auditory experience. The Silent Sakura, on the other hand, combines the deep, muffled qualities from its nylon top with the resonant aspect of the polycarbonate bottom to create a quieter, yet rich typing experience. While the variations in housing materials result in distinctive sounding profiles, users can achieve similarly satisfying keystrokes with either switch, illustrating how the interplay of materials influences the overall tactile and auditory sensations during use. Whether one opts for sharper clarity or muted depth, the blending of different materials allows for a customizable typing experience tailored to personal preference.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch exhibit notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a keyboard that allows for extended typing periods with less fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a firmer feel while typing. Thus, if you're looking for a lighter option that enables faster and less strenuous keystrokes, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out, whereas the Silent Sakura caters to those who appreciate a medium-light resistance that still offers a firmer feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on individual preferences regarding weight and feel during long typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This notable difference means that the Akko switch has a shallower feel, which can provide quicker actuation and response time — appealing for gamers looking for a more responsive keypress. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Silent Sakura switch gives a more pronounced depth, which some users may find more satisfying and comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, if you value responsiveness and prefer a shorter travel distance, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the better choice, while those who appreciate a deeper, more gradual keystroke might lean towards the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g.
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 - 53g 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 profiles of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch could not be more different. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, making it an expressive option for those who enjoy audible feedback with their keystrokes. This robust sound can be invigorating and adds to the overall typing experience, especially in a more relaxed or creative environment. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a whisper-quiet experience akin to gentle raindrops against a window, designed specifically for users who require discretion, such as in shared workspaces or during late-night typing sessions. This stark contrast in auditory feedback is essential in choosing the right switch based on personal preference or situational need.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is characterized by its pronounced tactile bump that provides a significant and invigorating response. This tactile feedback allows typists to easily identify actuation points, making it a satisfying option for those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g boasts a balanced 53g bottom-out force, catering to those who prefer a lighter response while still ensuring a satisfying keystroke. The smooth linear motion of the Silent Sakura enhances typing speed and fluidity, making it ideal for fast-paced typists. Ultimately, while the Creamy Purple Pro is more about pronounced tactile feedback, the Silent Sakura focuses on a smooth, lighter action.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer distinctly different experiences in both sound and feel. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro excels in providing strong tactile feedback and an engaging auditory experience, making it suited for those who appreciate a more lively and responsive typing session. In contrast, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a quieter, smoother touch, perfect for environments where noise must be minimized. When selecting between the two, personal preference regarding typing style and environmental considerations will play a crucial role in determining the best switch for your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with an invigorating bump and don’t mind a louder sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch is a great match for you. This switch is ideal for gaming and typing alike, as it provides a clear indication of actuation, making it satisfying for those who appreciate a more engaged and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quieter typing environment—perhaps you're working in an office or simply prefer to keep noise levels down—the Silent Sakura - 53g switch would serve you better. It offers a smooth and gentle keystroke with a slight tactile sensation, which allows for fluid typing without disturbing others. Overall, both switches have unique characteristics suited to different preferences; consider your typing style, the noise level of your environment, and whether you prefer tactile feedback or a quiet linear experience when making your final decision.
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