HMX Deep Navy vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro stand out for their unique characteristics and typist preferences. The Deep Navy switch, with its all-nylon construction, delivers a silky smooth experience highlighted by its rich and sharp sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless, linear keystroke. In contrast, the Lavender Purple Pro switch combines a higher-pitched sound with a tactile bump, offering a bouncy and snappy feedback that appeals to typists seeking a more engaging and responsive sensation while typing. While the Deep Navy excels in smoothness and auditory richness, the Lavender Purple Pro provides an enjoyable tactile experience that makes each keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, notable differences emerge, particularly with their top housings. The Deep Navy uses a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper and rounder sound profile, creating a typing experience that some users may find more muted and pleasant. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer properties. This material contributes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that resonates more clearly. The difference in sound quality stems from the inherent acoustic properties of nylon and polycarbonate, with nylon promoting a more subdued experience and polycarbonate facilitating a vibrant echo.
The bottom housings of both switches, on the other hand, feature nylon materials. This similarity means that regardless of the differing top housings, the overall typing experience will still exhibit characteristics linked to nylon's sound permeability. Both switches will offer a rich, fuller sound profile when bottomed out, owing to the plush absorption of nylon. Thus, while the top housing diverges significantly in terms of acoustic impact, the bottom housing unifies the experience, ensuring that at least one aspect of the sound and feel remains consistent between the two models.
In practical applications, the differences in material between the top housings of the switches mean that end-users can expect varied auditory feedback during their typing experience. The Deep Navy will likely feel warmer and more muted in sound when keys are released, thanks to its nylon construction. Conversely, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro will deliver a more pronounced and resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top. However, since both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the depth and fullness of the sound when bottoming out remain a shared feature. Ultimately, the unique combination of materials in each model provides distinct auditory characteristics, while their shared nylon bottom housing creates a foundational similarity in overall sound quality and tactile experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Deep Navy switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long hours of use. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This medium-light pressure may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. In summary, while both switches cater to different preferences in actuation and bottom out forces, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, promoting quicker keystrokes, whereas the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a heavier tactile response for users who enjoy a firmer touch.
Travel distance
The HMX Deep Navy linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Deep Navy switch offers a more responsive feel, making it ideal for gamers who prefer quicker actuation times. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a more substantial sensation with its greater depth, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile response as they type. Consequently, if you are looking for a switch that offers faster responsiveness, the HMX Deep Navy would be the better choice, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is suited for individuals who prefer a deeper key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
The Akko V3 Lavender 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 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 HMX Deep Navy linear switch creates a rich and sharp auditory experience, which can be attributed to its full nylon construction. This solid build contributes to a deeper, more resonant sound when keys are pressed, enhancing the overall typing ambiance. Conversely, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile that delivers a distinct auditory feedback, complemented by its tactile bump. This combination results in a more lively typing sound that many users find satisfying. It's important to note that the overall sound quality can vary significantly depending on the keyboard's construction, keycap materials, and even the environment in which it's used.
When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch boasts a description of silky smoothness, making it ideal for users who favor a seamless keypress without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized by its medium tactile bump, which provides a delightful balance between feedback and ease of typing. These tactile features include a "bouncy" sensation that offers a spring-like feedback upon pressing, as well as "snappy" responsiveness that heightens the overall experience. The V3's polished finish ensures that each keypress feels refined and smooth, which adds to the lively sensation of the typing experience. In contrast, the Deep Navy prioritizes a smooth, unbroken travel without the tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, they cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Deep Navy is perfect for those who crave an unobtrusive, smooth typing sound and feel, while the Lavender Purple Pro appeals to users looking for engaging tactile feedback paired with an entertaining auditory profile. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a linear, seamless experience or a more tactile and lively typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and what you prioritize in your keyboard experience. If you seek a smooth, nearly effortless keystroke with a lighter feel, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks; its 45-gram actuation force and refined sound profile can make for an engaging experience. The combination of its full nylon construction and silky Ly stem ensures that your typing is not only quiet but also enjoyable, making it ideal for those who favor minimal distraction. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro will suit your needs perfectly. Its delightful combination of accented tactile bumps and a higher-pitched sound profile enhances your typing experience, allowing you to enjoy a lively, bouncy feel with each press. This switch is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy a bit more feedback while typing, as it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Depending on whether you lean towards a smoother, quieter affair or a more tactile, engaging typing sensation, you can confidently choose between these two switches knowing they each offer unique benefits.
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