HMX Gravel vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When searching for the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the allure of linear switches like the HMX Gravel and the engaging tactile feedback of switches like the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, making it a perfect choice for those who desire a light and responsive experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes without hindrance. In contrast, the Lavender Purple Pro offers a more textured typing journey, featuring a pronounced tactile bump and a higher-pitched sound profile that appeals to those who appreciate auditory and physical feedback while typing. While the Gravel promotes a seamless flow for fast typists and gamers, the Lavender Purple Pro adds an extra layer of engagement, catering to writers and typists who prefer a more interactive experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POM
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
The HMX Gravel and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro share a significant similarity in their top housing material, which is polycarbonate. Both switches benefit from this material, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a clearer resonance, enhancing the acoustics of each keypress. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing is advantageous when using RGB lighting, as it effectively allows light to diffuse through the switch, creating a visually appealing glow. Thus, users can expect similar aesthetics and sound characteristics from both switches in terms of the top housing.
When examining the bottom housing, both the HMX Gravel and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilize nylon, a classic material renowned for its sound-absorbing properties. The softer plastic nature of nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This design choice means that while both top housings enhance brightness and clarity, the nylon bottom housings add warmth and depth to the overall sound produced. Consequently, this results in a balanced synthesis of sounds within each switch, combining sharp highs with rich lows to deliver a more satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, while the top housing of both the HMX Gravel and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is made from the same polycarbonate material, their nylon bottom housings further enrich the auditory outcome with a contrast in sound profiles. This combination of materials means that when activating either switch, users will enjoy an engaging experience where the brighter tones from the polycarbonate complement the warm fullness from the nylon. Although the distinct qualities of each housing type affect specific aspects of keypress sounds, the result is a harmonious blend that ensures users benefit from a compelling auditory experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience a similar level of resistance when initiating a keystroke. This makes both switches suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as the lighter actuation force can reduce finger fatigue during extended use. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Gravel switch reaching a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lavender Purple Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This indicates that while both switches start with the same light touch, the Lavender Purple Pro requires a bit more effort to fully bottom out, providing a firmer feel at the end of the keystroke. As a result, users looking for a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, while those appreciating an overall lighter feel might lean towards the HMX Gravel switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Gravel switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lavender Purple Pro has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Gravel switch the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Lavender Purple Pro, with its more considerable 3.8 mm travel distance, caters to users who prefer a more tactile and deliberate feel when typing, providing a sense of hearty depth. This comparison highlights how the Gravel switch may offer a quicker actuation for those who prioritize speed, while the Lavender Purple Pro might deliver a more substantial and satisfying keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch remains relatively neutral, allowing for a quieter typing experience that avoids any significant noise distractions. This feature makes it particularly appealing for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback during typing or gaming. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a higher-pitched sound profile, producing a more pronounced acoustic feedback thanks to its tactile bump. This contributes to a more engaging auditory experience, making each keystroke feel more satisfying and audible, which can be particularly enjoyable in a lively typing environment.
In terms of feel, the HMX Gravel switch excels with its smooth and refined typing experience. It is characterized by a medium-light actuation force that makes typing feel effortless, creating a seamless flow with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers an accentuated tactile feedback that is identifiable yet not overwhelming, making it a versatile switch for both typing and gaming. The V3’s bouncy and snappy nature adds an element of liveliness, allowing for rapid key presses that feel energetic. Additionally, the polished finish of the V3 ensures a smooth travel, enhancing the overall user experience through reduced friction.
In conclusion, while the HMX Gravel linear switch provides a smooth and quiet typing experience, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro delivers a more tactile and audible feedback with its high-pitched sound profile and lively feel. Both switches are aimed at enhancing the typing experience, albeit in different ways. The Gravel’s emphasis on smoothness and ease of typing contrasts with the V3’s focus on tactile feedback and sound, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Choosing between them will largely depend on whether you prioritize a serene typing environment or an engaging, responsive feel with auditory cues.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lightweight switch that offers an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, the Gravel, with its 50 grams of bottom-out force, is an excellent option. It’s perfect for long typing sessions where responsiveness is key, making it a great choice for those who prioritize comfort and speed without tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile sensation and a bit more resistance in your key presses, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, with its 55 grams of bottom-out force, would be the better pick. Its accented tactile bump and snappy feedback provide a delightful typing experience, which is particularly appealing for users who enjoy the satisfaction of feeling each key press. Additionally, the Lavender Purple Pro’s higher-pitched sound profile can add an enjoyable auditory element to your typing, making it a fantastic choice for both typists and gamers who appreciate tactile switches. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and preferences to ensure you find the perfect switch that enhances your keyboard experience.
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