HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro both offer unique characteristics for different types of users. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is favored by enthusiasts who prefer a bright typing experience with its clacky sound profile and silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a great choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for a poppy, clacky sound paired with a creamy tactile feel right out of the box. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, it is evident that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound. Typing on these switches will likely provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, as the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. However, the use of different top housing materials may still result in slight variations in sound and feel.
On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g features a nylon top housing, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This variation in top housing materials will lead to noticeable differences in sound profile when typing on the switches. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g will produce a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro will create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Yellow Pro allows for RGB lighting to shine through the clear housing, offering a more aesthetically pleasing typing experience.
In summary, while both switches share similar bottom housing materials, the differing top housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate will result in distinct sound profiles when typing on the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g will offer a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro will provide a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch differ slightly. The Cloud - 63.5g has a heavier actuation force of 56 grams compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's 60 grams. This makes the V3 Cream Yellow Pro slightly lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. The difference in force may result in a different typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the V3 Cream Yellow Pro more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Cloud - 63.5g for a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9mm, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. The Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Yellow Pro. Gamers may prefer the Cloud - 63.5g for its slightly longer travel distance, allowing for a more deliberate keystroke, while those looking for faster response times may lean towards the V3 Cream Yellow Pro with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 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 Cloud - 63.5g switch offers a clacky and high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch's sound profile is not specified, possibly indicating a different sound characteristic compared to the Cloud - 63.5g switch. Both switches aim to provide a unique auditory experience, with the Cloud - 63.5g emphasizing brightness and the V3 Cream Yellow Pro possibly focusing on a poppy and clacky sound.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a lively and silky smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch is known for being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished, emphasizing a light actuation force, reduced finger fatigue, spring-like feedback, responsiveness, and smooth key travel. While both switches provide a smooth typing experience, they showcase different characteristics in terms of actuation force and typing feedback.
Taking all the available information into account, it is evident that the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities tailored to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g switch leans towards a brighter and clacky sound profile with a bouncy and creamy typing feel, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch focuses on a possibly poppy and clacky sound along with an easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a sharper sound or a smoother feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches will give you a better idea of which one aligns with your preferences for mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a bright and clacky sound with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a silky smooth typing experience, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a poppy and clacky sound, a creamy tactile feel, and a medium bottom out force, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience and budget constraints.
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