HMX Blue Topaz vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that may catch your eye are the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, both linear switches. The Blue Topaz is lauded for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, making typing a breeze with its clacky sound signature and visually striking glitter housing. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a satisfying combination of poppy, clacky sound and smoothness right out of the box, perfect for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for a vibrant auditory experience. While both switches are easy to press, the Blue Topaz leans towards a more clacky feel, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro provides a feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished tactile feel. 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
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, both keyboards feature top housings made of polycarbonate. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is especially useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In terms of sound profile, both keyboards will likely provide a similar experience with their polycarbonate top housings.
While both keyboards share polycarbonate top housings, the HMX Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Typing on switches with nylon housings will elicit a different tactile experience compared to switches with polycarbonate housings. Both keyboards will offer a unique typing experience due to the use of nylon in their bottom housings.
Since the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switches, pressing down on the switches will provide a different tactile feel than releasing a key. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. While both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro feature similar housing materials, the overall typing experience may differ slightly due to the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in their respective housings.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, we can see that the Blue Topaz is lighter in both aspects. With an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, the Blue Topaz provides a smoother and lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is heavier, with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, giving a more substantial and firm typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Blue Topaz, while those looking for a more sturdy and forceful typing experience may choose the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Both switches offer a different tactile feedback, providing users with options based on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3mm compared to the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.9mm. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a slightly shallower press, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz provides a bit more depth in the key press, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the experience you're looking for in your typing or gaming sessions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Yellow Pro for $2.00.
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 HMX Blue Topaz linear switch is known for its distinctive clacky sound profile, providing users with a sharp and percussive auditory experience that complements the smooth actuation of the switch. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound that enhances the overall typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory feedback. While both switches offer a satisfying sound signature, the Blue Topaz may appeal more to users who prefer a sharper and crisper sound, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro caters to those who enjoy a more lively and engaging auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, both the Blue Topaz and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is noted for its feathery and bouncy feel, providing users with a light and spring-like feedback sensation that adds a fun and lively element to typing. The Blue Topaz switch, on the other hand, is praised for its smooth and polished feel, offering a refined finish that results in a sleek and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offer excellent sound and feel qualities, they do have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Blue Topaz excels in providing a clacky sound signature and a polished typing feel, ideal for those seeking a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out with its poppy sound profile and feathery, bouncy feel, offering a more lively and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, but both switches are sure to provide a fantastic typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch or the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth actuation and a visually appealing glittery housing that produces a clacky sound, then the HMX Blue Topaz switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium bottom out force, a poppy clacky sound, and a combination of easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, then the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is a solid choice. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and overall typing experience to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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