Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the distinct characteristics of each option to find their ideal match. The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, offers a delightful combination of features, including a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump that enhances the typing experience. Its 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished' qualities make it a favorite among those who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus, a linear switch designed primarily for gamers, emphasizes swift performance with an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm, perfect for rapid-fire inputs during intense gaming sessions. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel cater to users seeking responsiveness and fluidity. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches often hinges on individual preferences for tactile feedback versus linear smoothness. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus, one noticeable contrast lies in the top housing material used. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper high-pitched sound profile that enhances clarity and resonance. This material's stiffer characteristics allow for a more defined and crisper audio experience, making it favorable for users who appreciate the impact of RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon tends to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a rounder auditory experience. Consequently, users of the Vintage Citrus may find that its sound is warmer and less piercing than that of the Lavender Purple Pro.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as they both utilize nylon material. This choice of nylon contributes to a richer and fuller sound profile, as its softer nature helps to absorb sound waves, resulting in a muted and rounded acoustical experience when bottoming out. In this case, regardless of the differences in top housing, both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus will deliver a consistent bottom-out sound. This shared material allows users to experience a similar auditory sensation during typing, which may create a level of familiarity for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and sound provided by nylon.
In summary, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and HMX Vintage Citrus utilize different materials for their top housings—polycarbonate versus nylon—both switches converge in their bottom housing, employing the same nylon material. This combination yields a distinctive sound profile where the top housing influences the tonal clarity and resonance during key releases, while the bottom housing ensures a rich and full sound upon key activation. As a result, while users may perceive differences in the sound profile when pressing down on the keys, they can expect a similar auditory experience when reaching the bottom of the switch due to the shared nylon material.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch both fall into the medium-light category, but they differ slightly in their specifications. The Lavender Purple Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter than the Vintage Citrus’s 48 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a gently responsive feel will find the Lavender Purple Pro easier to engage during extended sessions. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Lavender Purple Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This indicates that while both switches provide a relatively soft landing, the Lavender Purple Pro offers a more pronounced bottom-out experience. Overall, for those who favor lighter keystrokes for ease of typing, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the better option, while the HMX Vintage Citrus caters to users who prefer a slightly firmer touch.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Lavender Purple Pro offers a slightly deeper keystroke, which can appeal to those who favor a more pronounced tactile feel and a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter 3 mm travel distance, may cater to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as it facilitates rapid key presses. While the Lavender Purple Pro provides a heartier depth for those who prefer a tactile feedback, the Vintage Citrus could be seen as more suited for fast-paced activities, offering a snappier, less abrupt feel. In summary, the Lavender Purple Pro is the longer travel option, while the Vintage Citrus is the shorter, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for depth and responsiveness.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized by a higher-pitched tone, combined with a satisfying tactile bump, which enhances the auditory experience while typing. This sound adds a level of delight to each keystroke, appealing particularly to those who enjoy a cheerful and engaging acoustic feedback. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch presents a bright, clacky sound, specifically engineered for gamers who appreciate a more energetic audio experience. While both switches offer distinctive sounds, the final acoustic effect can vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction, materials, and keycap choices.
When considering the feel of these switches, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro stands out with its medium tactile sensation, providing users with a pronounced yet not overwhelming bump. This is complemented by a bouncy and snappy response, delivering a lively typing experience enhanced by polished materials that ensure smooth key travel. The tactile feedback, combined with an overall responsive feel, makes this switch well-suited for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch is not explicitly described in the information provided, but its design for rapid-fire inputs suggests it likely emphasizes a smooth push feeling that complements its low actuation force, catering to fast-paced gaming scenarios.
In summary, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and HMX Vintage Citrus switches cater to different preferences, with the former offering a higher-pitched sound and a tactile, responsive feel, while the latter focuses on a bright sound profile ideal for quick inputs. Each switch provides a unique tactile experience, making it crucial for newcomers to consider their specific needs—whether for typing, gaming, or a combination of both—when choosing between them. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate which switch aligns best with an individual’s typing style and auditory sensibilities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences as a user. If you appreciate a more tactile and engaging typing experience, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, combined with its delightful tactile bump and bouncy feedback, makes it ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing sensation and a higher-pitched sound profile. This switch is particularly rewarding for typists and general users, providing a refined and satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you find yourself immersed in fast-paced gaming where quick reaction times and responsiveness are paramount, the Vintage Citrus linear switch is tailored for you. With a slightly lower bottom-out force of 53 grams and an impressive 1mm actuation distance, it excels in delivering rapid-fire inputs, along with a bright, clacky sound profile that can enhance your gaming ambiance. Ultimately, it boils down to this: choose the Lavender Purple Pro for a tactile and rich typing experience, and opt for the Vintage Citrus when you need the speed and smoothness required for gaming.
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