Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro, a tactile switch, to the HMX Xinhai, a linear switch, it's evident that both have unique features to offer keyboard enthusiasts. The Lavender Purple Pro is praised for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai stands out with its softer acoustics profile and distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance, offering a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance. While the Lavender Purple Pro is known for being 'Accented', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Xinhai is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'Creamy'. So, if you're looking for a switch with a delightful typing experience and a tactile bump, the Lavender Purple Pro might be the one for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch with a softer acoustics profile and precise performance, the Xinhai could be the better choice. 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
45g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Xinhai utilize polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches benefit from the properties of polycarbonate in their top housings.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches. The V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, while the HMX Xinhai also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, contributing to a unique auditory experience for each switch.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing the key. As such, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the V3 Lavender Purple Pro and the HMX Xinhai allows for a balanced and nuanced typing experience that is tailored to the preferences of each user.
Weight
The Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. 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 Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch. The V3 provides a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Xinhai, which offers a lighter touch. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the V3, while individuals seeking a lighter feel may find the Xinhai more suitable. Both switches provide different tactile feedback due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we can see that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Xinhai's 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular in modern keyboards. Gamers may prefer the Xinhai for its slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more deliberate key press may opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 is known for its higher-pitched sound profile and satisfying tactile bump, creating a delightful typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch has been described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. The sound produced by both switches will ultimately depend on additional factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro switch is characterized as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile experience with a lively rebound and smooth key travel. Conversely, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience akin to effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. Both switches offer unique tactile and feedback qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Overall, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch both offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the V3 Lavender Purple Pro provides a higher-pitched sound profile and a tactile typing experience, the HMX Xinhai delivers a clacky sound and a creamy, smooth feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, tactility, and overall typing experience, but users can expect to achieve similar levels of satisfaction with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a satisfying tactile bump with a higher-pitched sound profile, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a clacky sound profile, and a combination of bouncy and creamy feel, the Xinhai switch could be more suitable for your typing style. Consider your typing habits and preferences carefully to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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