HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cloud - 63.5g is favored for its clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, providing a bright and bouncy typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro stands out for its smooth and substantial feel, offering a solid and responsive keystroke that culminates in a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out. While both switches share some similarities like being bouncy and clacky, they also differ in terms of their creamy vs. polished tactile feedback. 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
63g
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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro feature nylon top housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate. While both materials have their own unique sound characteristics, the use of polycarbonate in the V3 Matcha Green Pro is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
In terms of bottom housings, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both utilize nylon, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile due to the soft nature of nylon. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that the typing experience will be cohesive across both switches, with the emphasis on creating a duller and rounder sound. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches highlights the importance of material choice in achieving specific sound profiles.
It's worth noting that the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro may differ in their top housing materials, the split between nylon and polycarbonate, respectively, leads to distinct sound profiles when pressing down and releasing a key. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, combined with the influence of the top housing on the sound when letting go of a key, showcases how material choices can shape the overall typing experience on mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, we can see that both switches have relatively close weights. The Cloud - 63.5g has a slightly heavier actuation force of 56 grams compared to the V3 Matcha Green Pro's 55 grams, making the V3 Matcha Green Pro the lighter of the two. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that while typing on the Cloud - 63.5g may result in a slightly stronger push feel due to its heavier actuation force, the overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out force will be similar on both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a slightly lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, slightly longer than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. The Cloud - 63.5g may provide a slightly deeper key press due to its longer travel distance, which could be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a slightly quicker actuation with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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, both the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches are described as "clacky," producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. The Cloud - 63.5g offers a high-pitched and bright sound profile, while the Matcha Green Pro provides a resonant and clean sound experience. Depending on your preference for sound, both switches deliver satisfying auditory feedback, with the Matcha Green Pro potentially offering a slightly deeper resonance.
When it comes to feel, both switches share similar qualities such as being described as "bouncy" and "creamy." This indicates that they provide a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery typing experience. Users can expect a lively feel with rebound when pressing the keys, along with a silky sensation that allows for effortless typing. Additionally, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is noted to have a polished finish, which enhances smooth key travel and minimizes friction. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant typing feel that caters to enthusiasts looking for a responsive and comfortable experience.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches may have slight differences in sound profiles, both switches deliver a satisfying and high-quality typing experience. Whether you prefer a brighter and sharper sound like the Cloud - 63.5g or a resonant and clean sound like the Matcha Green Pro, both switches offer excellent tactile feedback and smooth key travel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for sound and the specific feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a brighter typing experience with a clacky sound and a silky smooth feel, the Cloud - 63.5g may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a solid and substantial keystroke with resonant clacks and a smooth, buttery feel, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and auditory preferences.
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