HMX Canglan V2 vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro offer distinct experiences for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Canglan V2 is characterized by its thocky linear feel, delivering a deep, satisfying sound signature that many users find luxurious and immersive. This switch, crafted with a meticulous blend of materials and advanced molding techniques, provides a smooth and light typing experience that sets it apart within the HMX lineup. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a fantastic option for budget-minded users, offering a delightful poppy and clacky sound right out of the box. Its smooth operation is complemented by a bouncy, snappy responsiveness, making it an ideal choice for those who want performance without breaking the bank. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you seek a deep acoustic profile or a vibrant auditory experience; 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
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, one notices a distinct difference in the choice of materials for the top housing, which significantly affects the sound profile and overall typing experience. The Canglan V2 utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for its softer qualities. This choice contributes to a deeper, fuller sound when typing, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its stiffer properties. This rigidity leads to a sharper, crisper audio profile, enhancing clarity and resonance in each keystroke. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the differing top materials create a fundamental variance in the auditory experience.
Examining the bottom housing reveals a similarity between the two switches, as both the Canglan V2 and the V3 Cream Black Pro employ nylon, a material that lends itself to creating a robust, fuller sound profile. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the sound when a key is bottomed out, both switches will provide a similar auditory sensation in this respect. The nylon's tendency to absorb sound contributes to a rounder, more subdued bottom-out sound, improving typing comfort and reducing noise during prolonged use. As such, while the top housing creates differing sound profiles, the common nylon bottom housing brings a level of cohesiveness to their sound characteristics.
Overall, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials plays a critical role in defining the typing experience of each switch. For the HMX Canglan V2, the nylon top and bottom housing work in concert to produce a softer sound with a deeper bass resonance, ideal for users who prefer a more muted auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro strikes a balance with a clearer sound profile due to its polycarbonate top, offering a different tactile experience while still maintaining the smoother, fuller sound from the nylon bottom. Hence, while the two designs diverge in their upper housing materials, they converge in their bottom housing choice, delivering a rich yet distinct typing experience.
Weight
The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Canglan V2 features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch to support extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro exhibits a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may favor for its tactile feedback. While both switches provide distinct experiences with their varying weights, the Canglan V2 is the lighter option, ideal for prolonged use, whereas the Cream Black Pro is on the medium-heavy side, suited for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, there is a clear difference between the two. The Canglan V2 boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the longer option, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that for those who prioritize responsiveness, the V3 Cream Black Pro may offer a quicker actuation, as shorter travel distances are generally favored by gamers for their faster response times. Conversely, the Canglan V2 provides a more substantial travel experience, which some users might find more comfortable and satisfying. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prefer the nimble responsiveness of a shorter travel distance or the more pronounced depth offered by the longer travel distance switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 HMX Canglan V2 produces a satisfyingly deep and thocky sound signature that many enthusiasts find appealing. The attention to detail in its material composition and molding techniques contribute to this rich auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a fuller, bassy sound profile. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches deliver a distinctly sharp, high-pitched pop that resonates with a clacky tone. For users who prefer a more crisp and clear auditory feedback, these switches offer a delightful contrast to the Canglan V2's deeper notes, ensuring a lively typing experience. It's important to keep in mind that the overall sound perception can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps.
When comparing the feel of both switches, the HMX Canglan V2 provides a smooth and light typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys while still maintaining a level of tactile satisfaction. This ease of travel contributes to a fluid typing rhythm that many users will find enjoyable for both casual and competitive typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches are characterized by a creamy and polished feel, providing a buttery smooth keypress that comes with a slight bounciness. This elasticity adds an engaging spring-like sensation to each keystroke, enhancing the typing experience with responsive feedback. The combination of these qualities creates a typing experience that feels both smooth and lively, appealing to those who enjoy an active feel under their fingertips.
Ultimately, both the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities, making each suited for different preferences. The Canglan V2 is perfect for those seeking a deeper, thocky sound complemented by a smooth feel, while the V3 Cream Black Pro caters to users who prefer a high-pitched, clacky sound with a buttery and bouncy typing experience. Depending on one’s typing style and auditory preference, either switch can provide a satisfying experience, and exploring both could result in finding the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, your preferences and typing style play a crucial role. If you prefer a lighter actuation force with a sound signature that leans towards deep and thocky, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice, especially for those who appreciate a smooth typing experience without much resistance. This switch is particularly suited for users who do a lot of typing or gaming and desire feedback that is both satisfying and not overly taxing on the fingers. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a medium-heavy actuation force and enjoy a more poppy, high-pitched auditory feedback, the V3 Cream Black Pro is your go-to switch. This switch balances smoothness and a lively feel, making it ideal for individuals who enjoy a tactile sensation along with a slightly more pronounced sound profile. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, so consider your specific needs—whether that's lightness and depth with the Canglan V2 or a bouncy, creamy response with the V3 Cream Black Pro—to ensure you select the one that best enhances your typing experience.
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