Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Swift offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch that stands out for its pronounced tactile bump and a distinctively loud sound signature with a bassier pitch, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy a more engaging typing sensation and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Swift, categorized as a linear switch, provides a silky smooth keystroke with a delicate 42g actuation force and a deeper sound profile due to its full nylon housing—perfect for those who prefer a quieter and more effortless typing experience. While the Creamy Purple Pro offers a satisfying tactile response and a vibrant sound, the HMX Swift excels in a smooth, clacky feel that allows for fast-paced typing. 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
42g
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
3.90 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 extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Swift, one notable difference lies in the materials used for their top housings. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigid properties, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is particularly resonant. This material’s translucency is advantageous for accommodating RGB lighting, ensuring vibrant visual effects while typing. In contrast, the HMX Swift utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This comparative analysis highlights that while the V3 is designed for clarity and sharpness, the Swift focuses on warmth and depth in sound.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a shared characteristic in terms of sound profile. The inclusion of nylon in both the V3 and Swift bottom housings contributes to producing a muted and rounded sound quality during typing, as this material absorbs sound effectively. Therefore, regardless of the top housing differences—the crisper polycarbonate of the V3 versus the softer nylon of the Swift—users can still expect a uniform bottom-out experience characterized by a fuller sound due to the nylon bases. This congruence indicates that while the typing dynamics may vary slightly due to the differing top materials, the overall acoustic experience remains grounded in the deeper tones provided by the nylon bottoms.
In essence, while the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and HMX Swift exhibit contrasting characteristics due to their top housing materials, they converge on their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This leads to a blended experience when typing: the V3’s clear and resonant top marries with the Swift's deep sound profile, capitalizing on nylon's inherent qualities. Thus, users might find that choosing between these two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the attack and release sounds during use, rather than a stark difference in overall auditory experience, thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing trait.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces are the same. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort, which can be advantageous for long typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the HMX Swift has a heavier actuation force of 42 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that regardless of the actuation differences, both switches will provide a similar resistance when fully pressed down. Thus, while both switches are classified as light overall, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is lighter in actuation, while the Swift offers a heavier touch, accommodating different preferences among users.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights a key contrast between the two switches: the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a shorter, more responsive feel, which may appeal to gamers seeking quick key presses for faster response times. In contrast, the HMX Swift's longer travel distance provides a more substantial depth that some users may find more satisfying for typing or gaming, as it avoids the abrupt sensation associated with shorter travel switches. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preference—those who appreciate a quicker, more immediate feedback might gravitate towards the Akko switch, while individuals who enjoy a more deliberate and deeper actuation could prefer the HMX Swift.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
When it comes to sound, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches produce a loud auditory experience with a bassier pitch, which can make them stand out in a crowded environment. This switch's characteristic is amplified by the tactile bump that adds to the resonance, creating a pronounced acoustic feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switches are distinguished by their deeper sound profile, attributed to their full nylon housings. This results in a softer, yet clear sound that is less sharp than the Creamy Purple Pro. While the Swifts possess a bright sound signature in general, their unique tonal depth provides a contrasting auditory experience. It's essential to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced significantly by the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a robust tactile sensation, marked by a substantial tactile bump that can enhance typing feedback and provide a more pronounced experience. This switch is designed for users who enjoy an engaging tactile response, ideal for those who prefer a bit of resistance as they type. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switches prioritize a light and effortless feel, with a gentle actuation force of just 42g, making them exceptionally easy to press. They provide a feathery touch that minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged use, enabling smooth and comfortable typing. The bouncy feedback from the Swifts adds a lively dimension, while the creamy texture contributes to a buttery-smooth typing experience, offering a delightful and fluid interaction with each keystroke.
In summary, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and HMX Swift switches cater to different preferences, boasting unique sound and feel characteristics. The Creamy Purple Pro excels with its loud, bassier sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to those who value bold keystrokes. The HMX Swift switches, meanwhile, shine with their deep sound and feather-light operation, ideal for users seeking a more effortless and smooth typing experience. Consequently, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you favor a robust tactile presence or a delicate, low-impact touch. Both designs offer distinct advantages, ensuring that there is something for everyone in the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Swift linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and a deeper, bassier sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the switch for you. It's great for those who appreciate feedback during their keystrokes and want to add an audible element to their typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more effortless typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the HMX Swift is your best bet. Its feathery, easy-to-press feel makes it ideal for prolonged use, whether you're typing up reports for work or gaming for hours on end. Plus, the clackiness of the Swift adds a crispness that many users find satisfying. Ultimately, assess what you value more in your keyboard experience—tactile feedback or smoothness—and select the switch that aligns with your needs for an optimal typing experience.
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