HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer a silky smooth typing experience. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored by enthusiasts for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, providing a bright and bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro stands out with its fully polycarbonate construction, offering a chirpy sound signature and a polished feel. While both switches share characteristics such as being bouncy and providing a smooth typing experience, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
48g
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
3.80 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 Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, it is evident that nylon and polycarbonate offer distinct sound profiles due to their different properties. The nylon top housing of the Cloud - 63.5g provides a deeper and fuller sound with its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder profile. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Crystal Pro produces a sharper and crisper sound by being a stiffer plastic that creates a clear and resonant profile, especially appealing for RGB lighting setups.
Similarly, the differences in the bottom housings of these switches further highlight the contrasting qualities of nylon and polycarbonate materials. Once again, the nylon bottom housing of the Cloud - 63.5g offers a deeper and fuller sound with its softer composition, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the V3 Crystal Pro generates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffness. Both materials play a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switches, with nylon providing a more muted tone and polycarbonate delivering a more defined and vibrant sound.
Overall, the distinct qualities of nylon and polycarbonate in the top and bottom housings of these switches showcase how the choice of housing material can impact the typing experience. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound from the Cloud - 63.5g with its nylon housing and a sharper and crisper sound from the V3 Crystal Pro with its polycarbonate housing. The differences in housing materials contribute to the overall feel and acoustics of the switches, providing users with options to tailor their typing experience based on their preferences.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch both offer a different experience in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly heavier actuation force of 56 grams compared to the V3 Crystal Pro's 48 grams, making it the heavier option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cloud - 63.5g requires 63.5 grams while the V3 Crystal Pro requires 60 grams, making the latter slightly heavier in this aspect. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Cloud - 63.5g for its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is 3.9 mm, slightly longer than the travel distance of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, which is 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the Cloud - 63.5g offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the V3 Crystal Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the specific feel and responsiveness desired while typing or gaming.
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 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
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch stands out with its chirpy sound signature, adding a unique squeaky element to its acoustic profile. Both switches offer a bright and lively sound experience, with the Cloud - 63.5g being high-pitched and the V3 Crystal Pro being chirpy.
In terms of feel, both switches provide a bouncy sensation, offering a spring-like and elastic feedback when keys are pressed. The Cloud - 63.5g switch is further described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes with a silky sensation. The V3 Crystal Pro switch, on the other hand, is described as polished, offering a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches deliver a satisfying and comfortable typing feel, with the Cloud - 63.5g leaning towards a creamier sensation and the V3 Crystal Pro offering a polished feel.
Overall, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switches may differ slightly in sound and feel characteristics, they both provide a high-quality typing experience. Whether you prefer the clacky brightness of the Cloud - 63.5g or the chirpy uniqueness of the V3 Crystal Pro, you can expect similar levels of satisfaction in terms of sound and feel. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to determine which switch best suits your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, as well as a bouncy and creamy typing experience, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a chirpy sound and a bouncy and polished feel, the V3 Crystal Pro could be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for sound and typing feel.
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