HMX Blue Topaz vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Blue Topaz is renowned for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a seamless typing experience with a distinctive glittery housing that adds visual charm. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro is designed specifically for gamers, offering effortless keystrokes with a pleasing bassy sound, along with a light actuation force and shortened travel distance for optimal gaming performance. While the Blue Topaz is best suited for those who appreciate a clacky sound signature and easy key pressing, the V3 Silver Pro caters to gamers seeking a creamy, feathery switch with a high-pitched and polished 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
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Silver Pro are both made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. The Akko V3 Silver Pro also features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound.
While both the Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Silver Pro have polycarbonate top housings that provide a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, the difference in their bottom housings gives a unique typing experience. The Blue Topaz's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound with more impact on the bottom-out feel, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro's nylon bottom housing also offers a similar deep and full sound. This means that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the sound profile depending on where the pressure is applied. However, both switches still provide a crisp and clear sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate in the top housing.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the HMX Blue Topaz and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both contribute to a sharp and clear sound profile, thanks to their polycarbonate top housings. While the difference lies in the bottom housings - with the Blue Topaz featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, and the Akko V3 Silver Pro offering a similar typing experience with its own nylon bottom housing - both switches provide a unique typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom of the switch allow for a distinct sound profile when pressing down versus letting go of a key, showcasing the impact of different housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a light feel to them. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that both switches offer a smooth and relatively easy typing experience. However, the Blue Topaz requires a slightly heavier force to bottom out compared to the V3 Silver Pro. Some users may prefer the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Blue Topaz for a more substantial typing experience, while others may appreciate the slightly lighter bottom out force of the V3 Silver Pro for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer a light and enjoyable typing experience, with slight variations in bottom out force for users to consider based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch both offer different travel distances. The Blue Topaz has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the V3 Silver Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Blue Topaz provides a slightly longer keypress feel compared to the V3 Silver Pro. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Blue Topaz. 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 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 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 Blue Topaz linear switch offers a clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke, giving users a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp when pressed, offering a more distinct and lively sound profile compared to the Blue Topaz. Depending on user preference, the clacky sound of the Blue Topaz may suit those who enjoy a more tactile and responsive sound, while the V3 Silver Pro's high-pitched sound may be preferred by users looking for a more sharp and vibrant auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, both the Blue Topaz and V3 Silver Pro linear switches are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by making it effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro switch is also described as creamy, feathery, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Users looking for a switch that offers a silky sensation and minimizes resistance during typing may find the V3 Silver Pro to be more appealing in terms of feel.
Overall, the Blue Topaz linear switch stands out for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, coupled with a clacky sound signature that offers both visual and auditory delight to users. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro linear switch is designed specifically for gamers, featuring a light actuation force and shortened travel distance that are advantageous in scenarios where speed and precision are crucial. Both switches provide easy-to-press key presses that minimize finger fatigue and enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Blue Topaz and V3 Silver Pro linear switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and usage scenarios, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of overall performance and satisfaction with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it really comes down to your preferences and intended use. If you value a super smooth actuation and a lightweight feel with a distinctive glittery housing, the Blue Topaz may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you're a gamer looking for switches engineered for speed and efficiency, with a pleasing bassy sound and light actuation force, the V3 Silver Pro might be more suited to your needs. Both switches offer easy-to-press keys, but the Blue Topaz leans towards a clacky sound while the V3 Silver Pro provides a more high-pitched tone. Ultimately, consider your typing style and desired sound profile when making your decision between these two switches.
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