Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options like the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Twilight. The Lavender Purple V3 switch stands out with its tactile bump and higher-pitched sound profile, creating a delightful typing experience that is both bouncy and snappy. Its polished feel makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile feedback with each keystroke, enhancing precision in typing and gaming alike. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a quieter typing experience while still capturing the desirable clacky sound associated with HMX switches. This makes it an ideal option for users seeking smooth keystrokes without the additional tactile feedback of a traditional switch. Ultimately, both switches have unique qualities designed to cater to different preferences; 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Twilight, notable differences emerge that affect their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is a result of polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clear resonance that enhances the acoustic quality. In contrast, the HMX Twilight employs a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s relatively softer nature leads it to absorb more sound, resulting in a more subdued and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is designed to amplify the sounds when keys are released, the Twilight focuses more on providing a warmer, muted response.
On the bottom side, both switches utilize nylon material, creating a similarity that enhances the typing experience. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile. As nylon absorbs sound, it generates a rounder and fuller thudding sound when the keys bottom out. This shared trait provides users with a consistent depth of sound in both switches when pressed down, although the keys’ release sounds will differ due to the varying top housing materials. Therefore, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Twilight bring a unique combination of auditory characteristics derived from their mixed material housing configurations.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and HMX Twilight differ in their top housing materials — polycarbonate versus nylon — they align in their bottom housing choice, which contributes to a fuller sound profile. The combination of a sharper release sound from the polycarbonate top of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the deeper, more muted response from the nylon top of the HMX Twilight provides a distinctive typing experience for users. The synergistic effects of these housing materials result in varied auditory sensations, thereby allowing a user to select based on their preferred sound profile while benefiting from a richer bottoming-out sound common to both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX Twilight boasts a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, positioning it firmly in the light category. This means that the Twilight switch can be considered easier to press, making it more suitable for users who favor a lighter and less fatiguing typing experience during extended use. Conversely, the Akko switch, with its slightly heavier forces, offers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer tactile response. Overall, users seeking a lighter typing experience might gravitate toward the HMX Twilight, while those craving a more pronounced feedback might choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the key difference lies in their measurements. The Lavender Purple Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Twilight, which measures 3.85 mm. Although both distances are relatively close, the Twilight switch offers a marginally deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key feel. Gamers, who often favor quicker response times, might lean towards the Lavender Purple Pro for its shorter travel, providing a more immediate actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Twilight switch due to its longer travel distance. Overall, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize responsiveness or depth in your typing 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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is characterized by a higher-pitched sound profile that creates a delightful auditory experience for typists who enjoy more pronounced feedback. This higher pitch comes from the tactile bump during key activation, adding a layer of engagement while typing. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch produces a slightly quieter sound due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. While HMX switches maintain their signature clacky characteristics, the Twilight's quieter profile makes it more suited for environments where noise might be a concern, though it still provides enjoyment in its own right. Since sound also depends on factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, users may find that variances exist based on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro delivers an accented and tactile experience, often described as medium tactile—providing a satisfying bump without being too overwhelming. This switch is bouncy, giving a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing rhythm and provides noticeable rebound upon key release. Additionally, it is snappy and polished, which contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight, being a linear switch, does not provide the same tactile feedback and complexity of feeling, which means that it typically offers a smoother and more consistent actuation as is standard for linear switches, although specific feel characteristics for the Twilight are not mentioned.
In conclusion, if you're looking for an engaging and tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a solid choice, lending itself to lively feedback and an enjoyable auditory experience. In contrast, if you prefer a quieter, linear feel with more subdued acoustics, the HMX Twilight is a commendable counterpart that benefits from a smoother actuation without the tactile response. Your decision ultimately rests on whether you value tactile feedback and sound or a quieter, seamless typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you’re aiming for. If you enjoy a tactile feel with a satisfying bump that adds a delightful character to your typing, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams and its bouncy, polished nature allow for a lively and responsive experience—perfect for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter experience, the HMX Twilight linear switch is likely more suited for you. With its light 50-gram bottom-out force and extended 3.85mm travel distance, it offers a more subdued sound profile yet still retains enjoyable clacky characteristics. Ultimately, your selection should align with your personal preferences regarding sound and feel: choose the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for a tactile and lively typing experience, or opt for the HMX Twilight if you value a quiet, smooth key press with seamless travel.
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