HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is praised for its clacky sound profile and heavier weight, providing enthusiasts with a bright typing experience and a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro stands out for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, offering a unique poppy and clacky sound along with remarkable smoothness. While the Cloud - 63.5g emphasizes a bouncy and high-pitched typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro prioritizes a creamy 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
56g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, it is evident that the former utilizes a nylon top housing while the latter incorporates a polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while polycarbonate creates a sharper and crisper sound profile as a result of its stiffness. The clear translucency of polycarbonate is also advantageous for RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboards.
On the other hand, both the Cloud - 63.5g and the V3 Cream Black Pro feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when using either of these switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of switches is considered a classic choice, emphasizing the importance of this material in creating a satisfying typing experience.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of switches, it is essential to recognize that the qualities of the top and bottom housings are distinct. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate top housings can affect the overall typing experience by influencing the sound profile during both key presses and key releases. Ultimately, understanding the differences in housing materials can help users make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch are quite similar, with the Cloud - 63.5g being slightly lighter in terms of actuation force at 56 grams compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro's 55 grams. However, the bottom out force is slightly heavier in the Cloud - 63.5g at 63.5 grams compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro's 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a balance between a light typing experience and a more substantial push feel. For those who prefer a slightly lighter actuation force, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the better option, while those who enjoy a heavier bottom out force may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar typing experience with subtle differences in force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who prefer a quicker, more responsive keystroke, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more depth and cushioning when typing may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with each offering a different typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 Cloud - 63.5g linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched profile, creating a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch also delivers a high-pitched sound, giving it a crisp and distinct typing sound. Both switches provide a unique auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing enjoyment, so choosing between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel, both switches offer a creamy typing experience, known for their smooth and buttery key presses. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is also described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback for a lively typing feel. Similarly, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is noted for its bouncy sensation, giving users a rebound effect when each key is pressed. Additionally, the V3 Cream Black Pro boasts a snappy and polished feel, ensuring a responsive and polished typing experience. Overall, both switches excel in providing a silky smooth feel with a touch of liveliness, making them suitable choices for those who prioritize a comfortable typing experience.
Taking all of the available information into account, it is clear that both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch offer unique sound profiles and a smooth typing sensation. While the Cloud - 63.5g switch leans towards a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch provides a high-pitched sound and a slightly snappy and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches are designed to enhance your typing enjoyment, and you can expect similar results in terms of comfort and performance from either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky smooth feel, then the Cloud - 63.5g would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a high-pitched sound paired with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, your typing experience will be greatly enhanced by choosing the switch that aligns with your personal preferences.
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