HMX Canglan V2 vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Canglan V2 and Akko V3 Silver Pro stand out as compelling options for different user preferences. The Canglan V2 is celebrated for its "thocky" characteristics, appealing to users who appreciate a deep and satisfying sound with a light, smooth feel. Its innovative design and superior materials resonate well with HMX enthusiasts, making it a top choice for those who prioritize tactile audio feedback in their typing experience. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is engineered with gamers in mind, offering quick actuation and a shortened travel distance, which are crucial for achieving the fastest responses during intense gaming sessions. Its creamy, feathery texture and polished sound contribute to a delightful experience that can enhance performance. Although both switches excel in linear action, their distinct features cater to different needs and preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro exhibit notable differences, particularly in their top housings. The Canglan V2 features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's relative softness, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, users of the Canglan V2 enjoy a typing experience that is both quieter and more subdued, with a rounder sound that enhances the overall feel of the switches. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro sports a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, primarily due to its stiffer nature. The translucent quality of polycarbonate also permits RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element that appeals to enthusiasts looking for an aesthetically pleasing setup.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find that they are identical in material—both the Canglan V2 and the V3 Silver Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housings. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the overall switch design. This means that while the top housings elicit distinctly different auditory experiences when typing, the bottom housings unify the sound profile by imparting a softer and more muted tone to the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, while users of the Canglan V2 and the V3 Silver Pro may notice contrasting sound profiles with the top housings, they can expect similar sound qualities and tactile sensations due to the shared nylon material in the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the combination of these differing top housing materials and the identical bottom housings shapes the overall performance of each switch. In the Canglan V2, the use of nylon for both top and bottom produces a cohesive sound that is deeper and more resonant, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro capitalizes on its polycarbonate top to deliver a sharper sound while retaining the comfortable and muffled bottom-out feel thanks to its nylon bottom. As a result, while choosing between these switches boils down to personal preference regarding sound profile and aesthetic appeal, the nylon bottom housing of both ensures a similar tactile consistency, allowing users to enjoy both switches despite their distinct auditory qualities.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, both switches are categorized as light, but they exhibit slight differences in their specifications. The actuation force for the Canglan V2 is 42 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the V3 Silver Pro may require a marginally lesser effort to trigger a keystroke than the Canglan V2, potentially making it more suitable for users looking for less resistance during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Canglan V2 has a bottom out force of 48 grams compared to the Akko V3 Silver Pro's 45 grams. Again, the V3 Silver Pro is slightly lighter, providing a more gentle bottoming out experience. Overall, while both switches are considered light, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is the lighter option in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, while the Canglan V2 offers a bit more resistance for those who prefer a slightly firmer feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the V3 Silver Pro may be the better option due to its reduced travel distance, potentially allowing for quicker key presses—something that gamers often prioritize. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Canglan V2 offers a more pronounced keystroke, which might appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more deliberate typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer the tactile feedback and stability associated with longer travel, the Canglan V2 is the superior choice, whereas the V3 Silver Pro caters to those seeking a snappier response.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Canglan V2 switch generates a satisfyingly deep and thocky sound signature, aimed at providing a rich auditory experience that has captured the attention of HMX enthusiasts. The craftsmanship and material choice put into the Canglan V2 allow it to stand out with a sound profile that is often preferred for its fullness and resonance. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are engineered to produce a high-pitched, sharp sound that resonates more crisply than the Canglan V2. This tonal difference caters to distinct preferences; for those who favor a more refined, high-frequency tone, the V3 Silver Pro would be favorable, whereas those seeking a deeper acoustic experience might lean towards the Canglan V2.
Regarding feel, the Canglan V2 offers a smooth and light touch, designed to create an effortless typing experience that caters to those who enjoy a gentle but satisfying keystroke. Its precise molding contributes to a polished and refined feel that minimizes friction, akin to a silky typing experience. Conversely, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is characterized by its easy-to-press actuation, making it excellent for rapid key presses during gaming. Its light actuation force, coupled with a creamy and feathery essence, allows for low-impact keystrokes that enhance long-term comfort. When typing on the V3 Silver Pro, one can expect a nearly effortless experience, blending smoothness with responsiveness.
In summary, both the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro provide unique experiences, catering to different preferences with regard to sound and feel. The Canglan V2 is ideal for those who relish deep, thocky acoustics and a polished typing sensation, while the V3 Silver Pro excels in delivering a high-pitched auditory profile coupled with a user-friendly typing experience. If you're seeking a balance between gaming performance and typing comfort, both switches can potentially deliver pleasing results, ensuring that you get the most out of your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use case. If you’re an enthusiast who appreciates a thocky sound signature and a smooth, light feel for a more pleasurable typing experience, the Canglan V2 will likely be your go-to option. Its 48-gram bottom-out force delivers a satisfying tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for both leisurely typing and general use, especially if you desire a deeper, bassy sound profile. On the other hand, if you're primarily focused on competitive gaming or require the fastest response times, the Akko V3 Silver Pro might be the better fit for you. With its slightly lighter 45-gram actuation force and a design that emphasizes quick, effortless keystrokes, you'll enjoy seamless performance in high-pressure scenarios where every millisecond counts. The V3's high-pitched sound and creamy, polished feel provide a distinctly different typing sensation that could enhance your gaming sessions. Ultimately, let your typing style and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard guide your decision between these two remarkable linear switches.
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