HMX Cheese vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro. The HMX Cheese switches are known for their unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that stands out among the rest. These ultra-light switches are in a class of their own, being lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are a great choice for budget-conscious mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, offering a combination of poppy, clacky sound and decent smoothness right out of the box. Ideal for those who prefer a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, it is evident that their top housings differ significantly. The Cheese utilizes a nylon top housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials have their unique qualities in terms of sound, the nylon top housing of the Cheese offers a more rounded and duller sound compared to the clear and resonant sound of the polycarbonate top housing found in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro share the same nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to the effect it has on the top housing. The relatively softer nature of nylon plastic allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, despite the differences in their top housings.
Considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, the differences in top housing materials between the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro will result in distinct sound profiles, with the Cheese offering a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon top housing, and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro providing a sharper and crisper sound thanks to its polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese switch is lighter in both aspects. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Cheese switch provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation and bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cheese has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow Pro. Both switches fall within a shorter travel distance range, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Cream Yellow Pro may provide a quicker and more responsive typing experience compared to the Cheese, which has a slightly longer travel distance. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel, the Cheese with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so both would likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Cheese linear switches are known for their satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience that is difficult to match. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches offer a combination of a poppy, clacky sound that still manages to be smooth and pleasing to the ear. Both switches provide a distinct auditory experience, with the Cheese switches being ultra-light and the Cream Yellow Pro switches offering a more budget-conscious option for enthusiasts.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Cheese linear switches offer unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience, making them a top choice for those who prioritize a silky typing feel. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches, on the other hand, are described as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, providing a combination of gentle resistance, light actuation force, and spring-like feedback. These qualities make the Cream Yellow Pro switches comfortable for extended typing sessions, enhancing the overall typing experience with a responsive and low-impact feel.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Cheese linear switches and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Cheese switches excel in providing a smooth and crisp sound signature, along with an unmatched typing experience, while the Cream Yellow Pro switches offer a budget-friendly option with a pleasing combination of poppy sound and easy-to-press feel. Depending on your preferences and budget, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results no matter which one you choose.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, consider the specific characteristics that suit your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light actuation force for effortless typing and a unique clacky sound profile, the HMX Cheese switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a slightly heavier actuation force and a satisfying combination of poppy, clacky sound and smooth tactile feel, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as typing experience, sound preference, and budget constraints.
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