HMX Cheese vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Piano Pro stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The HMX Cheese is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. With ultra-light switches that are lighter than 90% of all switches, the Cheese provides a unique tactile feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro features long pole switches that deliver a snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. With a smooth actuation, the Piano Pro offers a pleasing tactile experience. Each switch has its own set of characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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
Both the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon housing materials for their switches, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This characteristic of nylon is consistent across both top and bottom housings in both keyboards, leading to a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality.
In the case where the top and bottom housing materials differ for a switch, the impact of each material is split between the top and bottom of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material will be more noticeable when bottoming out a key, influencing the sound and feel at that moment. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, shaping the overall typing experience in a different way. This distinction in housing material placement can lead to subtle variations in typing feel between keyboards like the HMX Cheese and Akko V3 Piano Pro.
Despite any differences in housing material placement, the overall effect of using nylon for both top and bottom housings remains consistent in both the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Piano Pro. Typing on switches with nylon housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its sound absorption properties. The softer nature of nylon brings a certain tactile feel to typing that is unique to this material, creating a more rounded sound that enhances the overall typing experience on both keyboards. In this sense, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and feel when typing on switches with nylon housing, regardless of specific model.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Additionally, the Cheese has a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the HMX Cheese switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch. Some users may prefer the lighter feel of the HMX Cheese for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the V3 Piano Pro for a more solid typing experience. In general, those seeking a lighter typing experience may opt for the Cheese switch, while those wanting a bit more resistance may lean towards the V3 Piano Pro switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, they both offer the same level of key travel, ensuring a consistent typing experience for users. Whether you choose the Cheese or the V3 Piano Pro, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. With a travel distance of 3.5 mm on both switches, users can enjoy a smooth and satisfying typing experience without any significant differences in key travel between the two.
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 Piano 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 Piano 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 Cheese linear switch offers a unique and satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound profile that adds a certain charm to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch provides a snappy sound signature that is characterized by its liveliness and crispness. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience, with the Cheese being noted for its smoothness and the V3 Piano Pro for its snappy sound that adds a lively quality to typing. Ultimately, whether you prefer the clacky sound of the Cheese or the snappy sound of the V3 Piano Pro will depend on your personal preference and the overall aesthetic you are going for in your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a light actuation force that adds to its overall tactile satisfaction. The V3 Piano Pro linear switch, on the other hand, is known for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel, providing a spring-like feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Both switches offer a high level of tactile satisfaction and smooth actuation, ensuring a pleasing typing experience for users. Whether you prefer the bouncy and elastic feel of the V3 Piano Pro or the smooth and light actuation of the Cheese will depend on your personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch offer unique and desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cheese excels in providing a satisfying clacky sound and smooth typing experience, while the V3 Piano Pro impresses with its snappy sound signature and bouncy, creamy, and silky feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to individual preference and the specific typing experience that you are looking to achieve. Whether you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with a clacky sound or a bouncy and creamy typing feel with a snappy sound, both switches offer high-quality performance that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth and crisp typing experience, the HMX Cheese switch with its 46-gram bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a snappy sound profile and a bouncy, creamy feedback sensation, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch with its 55-gram bottom out force could be more suited to your tastes. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision. Ultimately, whichever switch you choose, both the HMX Cheese and the Akko V3 Piano Pro will provide you with a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
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