Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Lucky present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is celebrated for its tactile feedback, which provides a satisfying bump with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience and offering a higher-pitched sound profile that many find enjoyable. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a more pronounced typing sensation and a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switches embrace a minimalist approach with their linear design, characterized by their silky smooth feel and quieter operation. The softer nylon housing brings a unique, glossy touch to the keyboard, making it a great choice for individuals who favor a subtle and uninterrupted typing experience. Each switch has its own charm: the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for those seeking tactile engagement and auditory pleasure, and the HMX Lucky for users who prefer a smooth, consistent keystroke. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Lucky, we see a distinct contrast in their top housing materials. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is designed to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances resonance and clarity—an advantage particularly relevant when using RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for optimal light diffusion. In contrast, the HMX Lucky employs a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This difference means that while both switches can produce high-quality audio during typing, their sound characteristics will differ significantly, leading to a unique auditory experience for users of each switch.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and HMX Lucky use nylon. This similarity means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributable to nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively. This creates a rounded bottom-out sound, which can be especially satisfying for users who prefer a more muted auditory feedback when pressing the keys. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing is likely to bring consistency in the overall typing experience, offering a sense of familiarity despite the differences found in the top housings.
Overall, the combination of materials results in distinct yet complementary sound profiles. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a brighter, more resonant high-end tone due to its polycarbonate top, while the HMX Lucky provides a more rounded, thumpier sound courtesy of its nylon top housing. However, both switches share the advantages of nylon in their bottoms, creating a sense of consistency in their foundational sound quality. Thus, while users might have a preference for one over the other based on top housing material, the underlying construction of both switches ensures that some auditory traits will remain similar, making them appealing choices depending on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light and suitable for users who prefer a balanced feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch is lighter, with an actuation force of only 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a softer touch for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. The difference in forces indicates that users favoring a heavier push feel should opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro, while those seeking a lighter switch experience would be better off with the HMX Lucky. This contrasting weight preference can significantly impact typing stamina and overall comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
Both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning that the distance traveled from the top to the bottom of each switch is identical. As a result, users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when pressing down on either switch, making them comparable in terms of key travel characteristics. Since both switches have the same travel distance, individuals looking for tactile or linear options can anticipate a consistent typing experience regardless of the switch type.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky for $2.99.
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 V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a distinctive higher-pitched sound profile, which can enhance the aural experience of typing, making it feel both engaging and satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Lucky switch is characterized by a clacky sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, creating a lively auditory feedback with each keystroke. This difference suggests that the Lavender Purple Pro will produce a more melodic tone, while the Lucky switch leans towards a sharp and punchy sound, making them appealing to different preferences in auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is well-regarded for its medium tactile feedback, which strikes a balance between being responsive and comfortable without overwhelming the user. The added bouncy characteristic provides a spring-like sensation, offering a lively and engaging typing experience, complemented by a polished finish that reduces friction for smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Lucky switch also features a bouncy feel, delivering a similarly elastic feedback sensation. However, it stands out with its silky smoothness, designed to minimize resistance and enhance the overall typing experience. Both switches offer a polished finish, allowing for fluid transitions between key presses, but the Lucky switch may provide a slightly more effortless touch.
Overall, while both the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and HMX Lucky switches are appealing in their own ways, they cater to different preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro excels with its unique sound profile and medium tactile feedback, while the HMX Lucky switch appeals with its clacky sound and extraordinarily smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound or feel in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is an excellent choice, offering a satisfying tactile bump along with a lively and snappy feel. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy a medium-light actuation force of 55 grams and appreciate a higher-pitched sound profile that accompanies the typing rhythm. On the other hand, if you find yourself favoring a softer, more linear feel, the HMX Lucky switch is ideal, with its lighter actuation force of 43 grams that contributes to a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Lucky’s clacky sound adds an element of auditory satisfaction, while its bouncy and silky characteristics make it a great fit for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize tactile engagement or a fluid, gentle keystroke, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard meets your specific typing desires.
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