Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Swift offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that is praised for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift is a linear switch that stands out for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, with a delicate 42g actuation force that makes typing feel effortless. While the Lavender Purple Pro is accented and polished, the Swift is clacky and creamy. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Swift utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, the Swift's nylon bottom housing offers similar characteristics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
In terms of housing materials, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Swift both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound compared to the rounder sound generated by the nylon top housing of the HMX Swift. Despite this difference, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Swift ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro creates a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the HMX Swift produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on the materials used in their housing, providing users with a range of options to suit their individual preferences and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is slightly heavier than the Swift. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Swift has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying force requirements. Some may prefer the lighter touch of the Swift for extended typing sessions, while others may enjoy the slightly heavier feel of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers may prefer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those looking for switches with a bit more depth may opt for the HMX Swift with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the differences in travel distance between these two switches are minimal and users can expect similar results in terms of overall key press experience.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
In terms of sound, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is known for its higher-pitched sound profile, contributing to a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as having a deeper sound profile due to its full nylon housings, providing a silky smoothness that complements its delicate 42g actuation force. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a unique sound with its higher pitch, the Swift stands out with a different depth and smoothness in its sound profile, catering to varying preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized as having an accented and bouncy tactile feedback, providing a medium level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it offers a snappy and polished typing experience, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is known for being easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It also provides a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, offering a smooth and buttery experience for users.
Overall, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Swift switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro excels in higher-pitched sound with a satisfying tactile bump, complemented by its accented and bouncy tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch boasts a deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, along with easy-to-press and feathery key presses. Depending on personal preferences for sound profile and typing feel, users can choose between the unique characteristics of each switch to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, you should take into account your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and desire a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a deeper sound profile with a silky smooth typing feel, the HMX Swift linear switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire.
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