HMX Cheese vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offer unique features and characteristics to consider. The HMX Cheese switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and pristine typing experience, known for its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch stands out for its affordability while delivering a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile with a smooth tactile sensation. While the HMX Cheese switch is lighter than most switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch offers a lively feedback with a creamy, tactile feel. Ultimately, deciding between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style; 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro differ in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Cheese's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic, absorbing more sound. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is suitable for RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the switch. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, the differences in the top housings contribute to distinct auditory experiences for users.
However, despite the differences in top housing materials, both the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro share similar qualities in terms of their bottom housing. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. This consistency in housing material for the bottom part of the switch ensures a similar tactile experience for users, emphasizing the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The Cheese's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Blue Pro adds a visual element with RGB lighting. Both switches share similarities in the bottom housing material, ensuring a consistent tactile experience. Whether you prefer a duller and rounder sound or a sharper and higher-pitched sound, these housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience on these distinct switches.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch is lighter in actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Cheese. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may opt for the Cheese, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel might choose the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, the Cheese has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro's 3.3 mm. While both fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times, the Cheese offers a slightly deeper key press experience. For those who prefer a more responsive keystroke, the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the preferred choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
The Akko V3 Cream Blue 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 Blue 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese switches are known for their satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches offer a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that pairs well with their tactile sensation. Both switches provide an enjoyable auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, but the choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switches are praised for their unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches, on the other hand, are described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile feedback with a lively and spring-like sensation. Both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different typing preferences, so choosing between them will depend on whether you prefer a smoother typing experience or one that is more tactile and responsive.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese linear switches and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese switches provide a smooth and light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches offer a tactile and bouncy feel with a distinct poppy sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for typing sound and feel, as well as the overall setup of your mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Cheese switches may be the better option, whereas if you enjoy a more tactile and lively typing feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches could be the way to go.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value an ultra-light switch that offers a smooth and pristine typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound profile, then the HMX Cheese switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides a balanced tactile feedback with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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