Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often face a critical choice between tactile and linear options, each offering a distinct typing experience. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out as a tactile switch, delivering a pronounced tactile bump and a rich, bass-heavy sound that invigorates each keystroke, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate pronounced feedback and auditory engagement. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai presents itself as a linear switch, characterized by its elegant PA12 top housing that produces softer acoustics, along with a POM stem that offers a crisp, high-pitched resonance. This combination not only enhances the typing experience but also appeals to users seeking a smoother, quieter keystroke. While the Creamy Purple Pro excites with its tactile sensation and sound profile, the Xinhai provides a refined feel and subtle performance for those who prefer seamless key presses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
30g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
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 Xinhai, it is clear that each switch utilizes different materials for their top housings, which contributes uniquely to their acoustic profiles. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This distinctive characteristic is especially pronounced when the switch is used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai employs a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Thus, while both switches may aim for high-quality auditory feedback, their materials lead to very different sound signatures during operation.
Interestingly, when it comes to the bottom housings, both the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Xinhai utilize nylon. This shared material makes their bottom-out sounds similar, characterized by a duller and rounder acoustic quality. Nylon's sound-absorbing properties mean that the feel and sound produced during key presses will exhibit a degree of uniformity across both switch types. As such, even though the top housings differ, the bottom housings will ensure that each switch maintains a similar sound experience upon actuation, focusing on a solid and satisfying tactile feedback that users often seek in mechanical keyboards.
In conclusion, the contrasting materials used in the top housings of the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro and the HMX Xinhai create divergent sound profiles, while both switches share nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a common acoustic experience. The polycarbonate top of the V3 yields a brighter sound, particularly impactful when engaging RGB lighting, whereas the nylon top of the Xinhai produces a warmer and deeper tone. This interplay between the softer nylon material in the bottom housings ensures that regardless of the differences at the top, the fundamental typing experience remains consistent and rewarding across both switches. Thus, users can expect unique auditory aesthetics based on the top housing, but a familiar bottom-out experience thanks to their shared nylon configuration.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Xinhai's actuation force of 37 grams. This means that the V3 switch requires less force to register a keystroke, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue might be a concern. However, the bottom out force of the V3 is higher at 50 grams, while the Xinhai switch bottoms out at 45 grams, indicating a weightier feel when fully pressed down on the Akko switch. Therefore, while both switches are considered light overall, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro offers a slightly lighter touch for actuation, while the HMX Xinhai provides a more balanced experience with a lower bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter action might gravitate towards the V3 switch, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may find the Xinhai more appealing.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer distinct travel distances that cater to different preferences among users. The V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch features a longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Users who favor a more responsive keystroke would likely prefer the Creamy Purple Pro due to its shallower travel distance, which aids in faster actuation, ideal for gamers seeking quicker response times. However, those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience might gravitate towards the Xinhai linear switch, as its deeper travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback with each press. Thus, while both switches serve different user preferences, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro stands out for its snappier actuation, while the HMX Xinhai provides a more cushioned 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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch is notable for its loud sound signature, characterized by a bassier pitch that delivers an invigorating auditory experience. This results in a pronounced and engaging noise with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more substantial auditory feedback while typing. On the flip side, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a unique sound profile due to its PA12 top housing, creating a softer acoustics experience. It features a crisp, higher-pitched resonance that leans towards a bright and percussive quality, often described as clacky. Between these two, the sound experience varies considerably, with the V3 providing a deeper, fuller sound and the Xinhai offering a sharper and snappier auditory sensation.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro boasts a significant tactile bump, which gives a pronounced feedback that many typists appreciate for enhancing their typing rhythm and overall engagement with the keyboard. This tactile sensation can be quite fulfilling, especially for those who prefer a noticeable distinction between pressed and unpressed keys. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch feels bouncy and creamy, combining an elastic feedback sensation akin to springiness with a smooth, buttery typing experience. This means that when typing on the Xinhai, users can expect a seamless glide across the keys that allows for effortless engagement. These differences in feel cater to distinct preferences: the V3’s tactile response versus the Xinhai’s smoothness and rebound.
Overall, both switches offer unique and contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro enhances your typing with its bold, bassy sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making it ideal for those seeking an immersive experience. Meanwhile, the HMX Xinhai provides a softer auditory profile with a lively and smooth typing sensation, appealing to users who favor a more refined and elegant touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, as each brings its own character to the keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in typing experience, sound, and feedback. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and a louder, bassier sound profile, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would invigorate your typing with its unique feedback and satisfying auditory experience. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a more tactile and somewhat aggressive typing experience, which can be very satisfying for typing enthusiasts and gamers alike. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a softer, more subdued acoustics profile coupled with a smoother, creamy feel, the Xinhai linear switch is the way to go. Its bouncy response and crisp sound make it an excellent choice for those who favor a seamless, silky typing experience without disruptive noise. Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether that’s an engaging tactile experience or a refined and quiet typing sensation—before making your decision.
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