HMX Cheese vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two unique options that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese, a linear switch, offers an unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience with its ultra-light design, making it lighter than the majority of switches on the market. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, also a linear switch, stands out with its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the HMX Cheese excels in its clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, while the V3 Crystal Pro boasts a more bouncy 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
43g
Actuation force
48g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, it is clear that they both offer distinct sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Nylon top and bottom housing of the Cheese creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Polycarbonate housing of the V3 Crystal Pro produces a sharper and crisper sound. The softer nature of Nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, whereas the stiffer Polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the clear Polycarbonate used in the V3 Crystal Pro allows for RGB lighting, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
While the Nylon bottom housing of the Cheese and the Polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro have similar sound profiles, with the former offering a deeper sound and the latter a crisper one, their top housings differ significantly. The Nylon top housing of the Cheese provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Crystal Pro offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The translucency of the Polycarbonate top housing also allows for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials.
In switches where the top and bottom housings are different, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that the Nylon bottom housing of the Cheese and the Polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro will each contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches in a distinct way. Ultimately, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro is the heavier choice, with an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Cheese may appeal to those who prefer a softer typing experience for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the V3 Crystal Pro may cater to individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and overall keyboard usage. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring users will achieve their desired results depending on their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches offer shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cheese switch for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the V3 Crystal Pro switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a quicker, more responsive feel or a more deliberate and pronounced keystroke.
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 Crystal 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 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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 Cheese linear switch is known for its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it a popular choice among users who enjoy a more tactile auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a bright and chirpy sound due to its fully polycarbonate construction, giving it a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese switch provides an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a light and smooth keystroke that is preferred by many users for its consistent performance. On the contrary, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch is described as bouncy and polished, delivering a spring-like feedback sensation with a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. These qualities make the Crystal Pro switch ideal for those who prefer a livelier feel while typing.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese switch excels in providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience with its unique sound profile, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch stands out for its bouncy and polished feel, along with a bright and chirpy sound signature. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them will ultimately depend on which features are more important to the individual user. Ultimately, in terms of sound, the Cheese switch offers a more tactile experience, while the Crystal Pro switch provides a lively and polished feel, ensuring that users will get a delightful typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a light actuation force and a satisfyingly smooth, poppy sound, the HMX Cheese switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force with a bright, chirpy sound and a bouncy, polished feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch could be more to your liking. Consider the factors of actuation force, sound signature, and typing feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your individual needs and typing preferences.
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