HMX EMO vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the HMX EMO linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch. The HMX EMO switch is renowned for its lively and clacky feel, offering a feather-light 46g bottom-out force for a bouncy and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch stands out for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. The EMO is best suited for those who prefer a smooth and effortless typing feel, while the Lavender Purple Pro is ideal for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
Both the HMX EMO and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which means they both offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. As a result, users can expect a similar auditory and visual experience when typing on both keyboards equipped with these polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the EMO's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing offers the same acoustic benefits, creating a more muted and softer sound when bottoming out keys. In this aspect, users can expect a consistent typing experience with both keyboards due to the nylon bottom housings.
Overall, while both the HMX EMO and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro feature slightly different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both offer a unique typing experience with a combination of sharper, higher-pitched sounds from polycarbonate and deeper, fuller sounds from nylon. The split qualities of the housing materials result in a balanced typing experience, where users can feel the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on a key and hear the influence of the top housing when letting go. Ultimately, choosing between the two keyboards may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The HMX EMO linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams compared to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. The EMO switch would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Despite the slight difference in forces, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for quick response times. However, the EMO switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch provides a bit more depth, which can be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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 EMO switch produces a lively and clacky sound, whereas the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile. The sound produced by a switch is influenced not only by the switch itself but also by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the EMO switch provides a bouncy and smooth typing experience with its feather-light 46g bottom-out force, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized by an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch offers a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming or subtle, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being scratchy.
Taking all the available information into account, the HMX EMO linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the EMO switch is known for its lively and clacky sound along with a smooth and bouncy typing experience, the Lavender Purple Pro switch stands out for its higher-pitched sound profile and accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to individual preference, with both switches aimed at providing an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. You may want to opt for the HMX EMO if you prefer a light 46g bottom-out force and enjoy a lively, clacky typing experience with a smooth and satisfying feel. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium-light 55g bottom-out force, a higher-pitched sound profile, and a tactile bump that adds to the typing experience, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro could be the optimal choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific characteristics that best suit your typing style.
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