Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the tactile feedback of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the smooth, uninterrupted travel of the HMX Twilight linear switch. The Creamy Purple Pro stands out for its pronounced tactile bump and prominent sound signature, delivering an engaging typing experience that many users appreciate for both typing and gaming. Its bassier pitch not only offers satisfying auditory feedback but also helps users clearly feel each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch captivates with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, which provides a quieter yet still engaging feel, perfect for those who desire a more subtle keystroke without sacrificing responsiveness, especially in fast-paced environments. Both switches have their unique strengths; the Creamy Purple Pro is ideal for those who revel in tactile cues, while the Twilight caters to users who prefer a smooth, linear feel. 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Twilight exhibit notable differences that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which brings a sharper and crisper sound due to the material's stiffer nature. This property allows the switch to resonate more clearly, resulting in a more pronounced and high-pitched audio experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly when used with RGB lighting, creating an inviting visual effect as the lights shine through. In contrast, the HMX Twilight employs a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characterized by a duller and rounder audio output. This fundamental difference showcases how the materials play a vital role in defining the auditory experience of each switch.
Despite the divergence in their top housing materials, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which exemplifies a shared characteristic that allows them to produce a similar auditory response in this aspect. The nylon bottom housing of both the V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the Twilight contributes to a deeper sound profile, reinforcing the overall acoustic experience with a rounder tone. As the softer plastic absorbs sound vibrations, both switches create a familiar deeper bottom-out sound, ensuring that the tactile feedback remains satisfying during typing. Therefore, while the sounds produced when releasing a key may differ between the two due to the varied top housing materials, the foundational sound characteristics established by their nylon bottom housing provide a common ground.
In conclusion, the contrasting materials used in the top housings of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Twilight reflect varying auditory experiences, while the uniformity of the nylon bottom housing bridges the gap in producing deeper sound profiles. Users can expect distinct sound signatures during key release: the V3’s sharper tones against the Twilight’s warmer notes. However, as both switches share a nylon bottom, the overall typing experience remains consistent in terms of depth and fullness. This combination allows users to enjoy a rich sound experience while highlighting the nuances introduced by each switch's top housing materials.
Weight
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch present intriguing differences in their actuation forces, while their bottom out forces remain consistent. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the HMX Twilight's actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the V3 Creamy Purple Pro a better option for those who prefer a lighter feel for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that, when fully pressed down, they provide a similar level of resistance. Therefore, while you will experience a subtler touch with the Creamy Purple Pro during regular use, the bottoming out experience will be the same across both switches. In summary, if you favor a lighter typing experience, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is the way to go, whereas the HMX Twilight will appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the HMX Twilight linear switch features a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Creamy Purple Pro offers a shallower experience, making it more responsive and potentially favored by gamers who seek quicker key presses for faster response times. In contrast, the Twilight's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing their keys, although some users might find the responsiveness less immediate than with shorter switches. Therefore, for gamers or those prioritizing speed, the Creamy Purple Pro would be the preferable choice, while users valuing tactile feedback might lean toward the Twilight switch for its deeper engagement.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro produces a loud and rich auditory experience, characterized by a deeper, bassier pitch that gives it a prominent presence when typing. This robust sound, driven by its tactile bump, can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy audible feedback from their keystrokes. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch is notably quieter, achieving its sound profile through an extended travel distance of 3.85mm. While it retains the clacky characteristics inherent to HMX switches, the overall volume is more subdued, making it a better choice for environments where noise might be an issue.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a distinctly pronounced tactile bump that provides a significant piece of feedback with each keystroke. This tactile sensation can enhance the typing experience, giving users a sense of accuracy and engagement, especially when executing rapid key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch delivers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without the tactile feedback, appealing to those who favor a more fluid typing experience. This difference means that while the Creamy Purple Pro may be more suited for users who enjoy tactile cues, the Twilight caters to those who prefer the seamless glide of a linear switch.
Overall, users looking for a more stimulating auditory and tactile experience may gravitate towards the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro with its loud sound signature and pronounced bump. Conversely, if a quieter and smoother typing experience is preferred, the HMX Twilight linear switch would be an excellent choice. Since sound and feel are also influenced by the choice of board and keycaps, both switches can yield satisfying experiences tailored to personal preferences, but the distinct characteristics of each switch will ensure that they cater to different typing preferences overall.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, your choice largely depends on your typing style and preferences. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile response and a more bass-heavy auditory experience, the Creamy Purple Pro will likely suit you well, especially if you appreciate the satisfaction of a clear bump during each keystroke along with the accompanying louder sound signature. This switch is ideal for typing and gaming sessions where feedback is crucial, allowing you to really feel when a key is actuated. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, quieter typing experience that focuses on rapid key presses with less acoustic disturbance, the Twilight linear switch is the better option. Its extended travel distance creates a fluid keystroke, making it excellent for both gaming and typing at high speeds, while its subtle sound profile keeps a low profile in shared environments. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your specific needs: opt for the Creamy Purple Pro for tactile feedback and sound, or choose the Twilight for a smooth, quieter experience.
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