Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 Silent Sakura - 43g stand out for their distinct characteristics catering to different typing preferences. The Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, making it ideal for those who appreciate a responsive and engaging typing experience. It’s categorized as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, appealing to keyboard enthusiasts who value feedback and auditory pleasure during use. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g is a linear switch that prioritizes a whisper-quiet experience, featuring an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force that is perfect for light typists or those who work in shared spaces. This switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, ideal for anyone seeking a serene and subtle typing environment. Both switches have compelling attributes that can enhance your typing 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
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches utilize different housing materials, which profoundly affect their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also translucent, making it particularly advantageous for those who utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the colors to shine through vibrantly. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is made with a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer, more sound-absorbing characteristics. As a result, while both switches provide unique aural experiences, they cater to differing preferences in sound quality.
The bottom housings of the two switches present an interesting contrast that further impacts their sound dynamics. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro employs a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the switch’s overall sound quality by providing a rounder and duller output, contributing to a deeper and fuller auditory experience upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g comes equipped with a polycarbonate bottom housing, significantly affecting sound resonance by producing a clearer and more resonant output. This inversion of materials in the bottom housings amplifies the distinct qualities of each switch, showcasing how the type of plastic used can influence not only sound but also feel during operation.
Ultimately, the differences in materials between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g reveal how each switch’s design goals manifest through their distinct auditory outputs. The contrasting characteristics between the nylon and polycarbonate used in both top and bottom housings create a diversified typing experience. While users will enjoy a high-pitched clarity with the polycarbonate housed switch and a fuller sound with the nylon option, similarities in the aesthetic appeal, especially with RGB compatibility and visual design, make both switches enticing choices. Each switch ultimately caters to the user's auditory preference and typing style, resulting in unique experiences even though they share some functional similarities through their materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light option that appeals to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, catering to those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. This difference means that users looking for a softer keystroke will find the HMX Silent Sakura more suitable, while those who enjoy a firmer push will appreciate the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference for weight and feel during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter option between the two. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and offers a slightly deeper feel. For those who prefer a more responsive experience, the V3's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, while the longer travel distance of the Silent Sakura could be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced key press. Therefore, if you're looking for quicker response times and a snappier feel, the Lavender Purple Pro may be the better choice, but if you enjoy a heftier keystroke, the Silent Sakura could be the ideal option.
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 Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g 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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch delivers a higher-pitched sound profile that is both pronounced and satisfying, making it a pleasure to type on for enthusiasts who appreciate auditory feedback. Its tactile bump not only serves to provide a physical sensation but also contributes to the unique sound signature of the switch, which can produce a delightful click with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, producing sounds that evoke the gentle patter of raindrops. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone seeking tranquility during typing sessions, such as those in shared environments or quiet workplaces. While the Lavender Purple Pro offers a more engaging auditory experience, the Silent Sakura prioritizes silence, catering to different preferences.
In terms of feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a standout due to its "medium tactile" design that combines an accented tactile bump with a bouncy, spring-like feedback. This gives users a lively sensation while typing, as the keys rebound with each press, enhancing responsiveness. The polished finish further contributes to a smooth typing experience, reducing friction and allowing for effortless key travel. On the other hand, information regarding the feel of the Silent Sakura - 43g is unknown, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, given its silent operation and lighter 43g bottom-out force, one might assume it offers a smooth feel that facilitates quick and airy typing, appealing to those who prefer a less tactile and more fluid action.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches embody distinct typing experiences that cater to different user preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro excels in sound and tactile feedback, promising an engaging and dynamic feel during typing, while the Silent Sakura focuses on delivering a serene, quiet experience, although details on its tactile feel are unavailable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on whether one prioritizes auditory engagement and tactile feedback or seeks an ultra-quiet, potentially smoother typing experience. Each switch presents unique advantages, allowing users to select according to their personal typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your decision should hinge on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a medium-light switch with a tactile bump that offers a lively and responsive feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is an excellent choice. Its bouncy and polished design ensures a satisfying typing experience, particularly if you appreciate distinctive feedback with each keystroke. Conversely, if you're seeking a quieter, lightweight option for a more serene typing atmosphere, the Silent Sakura - 43g is tailored to meet your needs. Its ultra-light actuation force and silent operation make it perfect for shared workspaces or those who prefer a subtler experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you want to interact with your keyboard—whether you crave that tactile engagement or a gentle, unobtrusive touch.
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