Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two notable options stand out: the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX SU. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro is designed for those who crave tactile feedback, featuring a pronounced tactile bump that offers an invigorating typing experience, complemented by a loud, bass-heavy sound signature. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a more pronounced response with each keystroke, delivering a polished and bouncy feel that can enhance productivity and satisfaction. In contrast, the HMX SU switch caters to those who prefer a smoother, linear experience. With its full PA12 housing and T5 stem, it offers a subtly deep sound profile, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who prioritize quiet, uninterrupted strokes. While both options provide distinct advantages, the choice ultimately depends on your personal typing style and sound preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
T5
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 SU, it is evident that they utilize different compositions for their top housings, which results in distinct auditory experiences. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for its stiffness. This property contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile when typing, allowing for clearer and more resonant tones. In contrast, the HMX SU incorporates a nylon top housing, which is a classic choice favored for its ability to absorb sound. As a result, the nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. The variations in the top housing materials ultimately lead to noticeable differences in sound characteristics, making the typing experience unique for each switch.
Conversely, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX SU use nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality ensures that, despite differences in their top housing materials, both switches will share certain acoustic qualities. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a depth of sound that is fundamental to the typing experience in both switches. Because the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a similar tactile and auditory response when pressing down on keys for both switches. This shared aspect allows for a moderated consistency in the overall sound experience while the nuances of the top housings dictate the final auditory output when keys are released.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro favors a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper sound profile, the HMX SU offers a nylon top housing that lends to a more subdued auditory experience. However, the similarity in their nylon bottom housings helps bridge the gap between their acoustic outputs, ensuring that both switches retain a fullness and depth in sound that typists find appealing. Thus, while users will enjoy distinct sounds when typing on each switch due to their contrasting top housings, the incorporation of nylon in the bottom housing allows both switches to deliver a consistent and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch present contrasting actuation forces while sharing a similar bottom out force. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended sessions, whether for work or gaming. In contrast, the HMX SU has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel with each keystroke. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that once pressed down fully, they require the same force to fully engage. This similarity implies that while the typing experience may differ in how easily each key is actuated, both switches will provide a consistent resistance when bottoming out. Consequently, users seeking a lighter option may gravitate towards the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, whereas those preferring a stronger tactile response might opt for the HMX SU.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Creamy Purple Pro the shorter option, catering to users who prioritize quicker response times, especially beneficial for gamers seeking to enhance their performance. In contrast, the HMX SU offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress and a deeper feel, providing a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, users will find that the shorter 3 mm distance of the Creamy Purple Pro allows for a snappier action, while the 3.6 mm distance of the HMX SU might feel more satisfying for those who favor a deeper press.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 V3 Creamy Purple Pro produces a loud sound signature with a distinctly bassier pitch, creating an engaging auditory experience that commands attention. Meanwhile, the HMX SU offers a subtler profile, characterized by a relatively deep sound that veers away from the excessive noise typically associated with more tactile switches. While the Creamy Purple Pro delivers an assertive and invigorating auditory feedback, the SU's smoother tone provides a more understated acoustic environment. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can vary based on the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps, meaning both switches could adapt to offer different auditory feedback depending on their configurations.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro excels with its combination of a polished finish, giving it a sleek typing experience. The polished nature implies reduced friction and smooth key travel, complemented by a bouncy sensation that feels springy under your fingers. Its invigorating tactile bump is prominent, offering a snappy and reactive experience that immerses the typist in a responsive feedback loop. In contrast, the feel of the HMX SU switch remains unspecified, leaving its tactile characteristics and overall typing experience unknown. Users looking for clear tactile feedback may prefer the Creamy Purple Pro, which is specifically designed to enhance tactile sensations during use.
In conclusion, both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and HMX SU switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Creamy Purple Pro stands out with its loud, bassy tone and saunter through a well-crafted tactile experience highlighted by its polished and bouncy qualities. In contrast, the unknown elements of the HMX SU introduce an element of unpredictability regarding its tactile feedback and sound profile. Ultimately, picking between the two will hinge on whether you seek out pronounced auditory and tactile experiences or are inclined towards a more subtle typing environment, and if you opt for the latter, you'll still have the option to explore additional characteristics once more information about the SU is available.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you crave a distinctly tactile experience with an invigorating feel, characterized by a pronounced bump that offers satisfying feedback with each keystroke, then the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the ideal choice. This switch not only provides a polished and bouncy typing sensation but also delivers a loud, bassier sound that can enhance the overall enjoyment of your gaming or typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more subdued experience, the HMX SU linear switch would be better suited for your needs. With its subtle sound profile and smooth feel, the SU offers a more consistent keypress without the tactile bump, making it perfect for those who value a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience. Ultimately, consider your priorities—whether it’s tactile feedback and sound or a linear, smooth keystroke—and choose the switch that aligns best with how you intend to use your mechanical keyboard.
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