HMX Jelly vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, and two popular options that cater to different typing styles are the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. The HMX Jelly, known for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature and lightweight actuation force of just 42g, provides a super smooth linear experience that can make rapid typing feel effortless. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers or typists seeking a quiet and efficient alternative that minimizes hand fatigue. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is celebrated for its delightful tactile feedback and higher-pitched sound profile, delivering a satisfying bump that enhances the overall typing experience. With a reputation for being accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, these switches are particularly appealing to those who enjoy the feel of a tactile response with each keystroke. While both switches offer compelling features tailored to different preferences, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Jelly and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a notable distinction arises between their top housings. The Jelly features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This arises from the properties of nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which consequently leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for resonance and clarity, making the sound produced by the switches more pronounced. This difference in materials suggests that while the Jelly creates a warmer auditory experience, the Akko switch exhibits a cleaner, crisper sound.
Conversely, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material results in similar acoustic characteristics, as nylon inherently dampens sound, creating that richer and rounder tone for the bottom-out feel. Thus, while the top of the switches differ significantly in their sound profiles due to the nature of nylon versus polycarbonate, the bottom housings maintain a level of consistency that ultimately brings a unified tactile experience across both switches when actuated. The nylon's sound absorption properties guarantee that when users bottom out either switch, they will encounter a similar auditory response regardless of the disparities found in their tops.
Ultimately, these combinations of materials provide unique sonic experiences for users. The HMX Jelly's nylon top housing delivers a softer sound profile with an emphasis on a subdued auditory output, while the Akko V3’s polycarbonate offers a sharper, more vibrant auditory experience. However, both switches can produce similar tactile reactions, thanks to their nylon bottom housings. Users will appreciate the nuanced auditory and tactile characteristics of each switch, lending themselves to different user preferences, whether they prioritize warmth and depth or clarity and resonance.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch to the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX Jelly has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which provides a medium-light touch that some users may find offers more feedback and a more substantial typing feel. Thus, while both switches fall within the lighter range, the Jelly is the lighter option overall, catering to those who prioritize low effort in actuation, whereas the Lavender Purple Pro delivers a touch more resistance for users who enjoy a firmer push.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning that you will experience the same keypress depth when using either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable tactile experience when typing or gaming, appealing to users who value consistent key travel. As such, whether you choose the Jelly or the Lavender Purple Pro, you can expect similar results in terms of key sensitivity and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is known for its low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, which can create a distinctly satisfying auditory experience for users who appreciate a fuller, more muted tone. This quality is particularly suitable for those who prefer a more understated sound while typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch boasts a higher-pitched sound profile that resonates more brightly and clearly. This combination of sounds, along with the tactile bump, creates an engaging auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience, especially for those who enjoy the comforting click of tactile switches. The sound produced by each switch may vary depending on the specific keyboard and keycap choices, but these inherent characteristics give each switch a unique identity.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by its smooth key travel, a quality enhanced by exceptional factory lube. This smoothness is facilitated by the lightweight design with a 42g actuation force, making it a great choice for users who prefer seamless transitions between keystrokes. Meanwhile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a more complex tactile experience. It is generally described as accented, meaning it provides a well-defined tactile bump that feels prominent yet not overwhelming. Additionally, this switch is bouncy, giving a lively response during typing, and is snappy—meaning it responds quickly to keystrokes thanks to its design. Finally, the Lavender Purple Pro is polished, ensuring a smooth and refined action throughout the key travel. As a result, the Akko switch delivers a tactile satisfaction that can be particularly rewarding for typists and gamers alike.
Overall, while the HMX Jelly offers a smooth, linear experience complemented by a deep sound, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a lively, tactile feedback with a higher-pitched audio signature. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Jelly for those who favor a fluid and subdued experience, and the Lavender Purple Pro for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile response with a bright sound. Choosing between them ultimately depends on your typing style and sensory preferences, ensuring that either option can provide a satisfying keyboard experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a light touch and enjoy a smooth, thocky sound signature that enhances your overall typing experience, the Jelly switch is an excellent choice. Its 48g bottom-out force and 42g actuation make it particularly suitable for rapid typing and gaming, where speed and responsiveness can confer an advantage. Conversely, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a medium-light experience, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch might be more to your liking. With its satisfying tactile bump and a 55g bottom-out force, it offers a pleasing balance of tactility without being overwhelming, which can enhance your typing rhythm and add a distinct character to your keystrokes. Thus, consider how you want your keyboard to feel and sound; whether you lean towards the smooth linearity of the Jelly or the bouncy, polished snap of the Lavender Purple Pro will help guide your decision for an optimal typing experience.
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