HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, two linear switches that offer distinct experiences despite their shared category. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its lighter touch and clacky sound profile, providing a bright typing experience that many users find invigorating, especially those who prefer a smooth and responsive feel. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro targets budget-conscious keyboard lovers, delivering an impressive sound characterized by a unique poppy and clacky resonance, alongside an exceptional smoothness that enhances overall typing pleasure. While the Cloud - 50g leans towards a lighter, airy feel, the Cream Black Pro boasts a polished touch with a bouncy essence that can make typing feel more dynamic. Ultimately, both switches promise delightful unique experiences, tailored to different preferences in terms of sound and 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
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro differ notably in their choice of top housing material, resulting in contrasting auditory experiences during use. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is primarily attributed to nylon's properties as a softer plastic, which not only absorbs sound but also contributes to a more muted acoustic character. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, allowing for a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sounds produced when typing, creating a more vibrant auditory experience. Thus, while both switches aim to offer a satisfying typing experience, the materials chosen yield distinct sound characteristics that cater to different user preferences.
Interestingly, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro incorporate nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material choice brings similar qualities to the feel and sound profile of these switches. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when the keys are bottomed out. Its inherent softness helps to absorb sound, ensuring that the noise produced during key presses is less jarring and more pleasant to the ear. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in material, both switches provide a cohesive auditory experience on the bottom end, emphasizing a softer, more resonant action that typists might appreciate.
Ultimately, the integration of different materials for the top and bottom housings in these switches indicates a thoughtful approach to sound and feel dynamics. With the Cloud - 50g's nylon top and bottom housings, users can anticipate a consistently rich sound experience that is deep and rounded. Conversely, the combination of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro’s polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing merges the clarity of the polycarbonate with the depth of the nylon, allowing each housing material to influence the switch performance uniquely. In essence, while the Cloud - 50g emphasizes a warmer auditory experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro infuses crispness and vibrancy, leading to distinctly different but satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Cloud - 50g features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, with a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Consequently, users who prioritize lighter switches may find the Cloud - 50g more comfortable for extended use, while those who enjoy the feedback of a heavier switch should opt for the V3 Cream Black Pro. Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ significantly, both switches can deliver their unique typing experience based on the user's preference for weight and force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The HMX Cloud - 50g offers a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that offers a more responsive feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro would be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance, which caters to gamers seeking quicker response times. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a deeper key press, the HMX Cloud - 50g's longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preference for responsiveness versus depth in feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 50g 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 - 50g 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, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches offer a clacky auditory experience, but they slightly differ in their tonal quality. The Cloud - 50g switch provides a bright and lively sound profile, making it suitable for those who enjoy a sharper keypress. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro is characterized by its high-pitched sound which produces a crisp and clean tone upon activation. While both switches create an engaging auditory feedback that caters to enthusiasts, the V3 Cream Black Pro is likely to appeal to those who prefer a sharper auditory experience, ensuring a satisfying typing session that remains largely dependent on the board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is noted for its silky smoothness during use, allowing for effortless keypresses that glide under the fingers. This smooth sensation can be enhanced or complemented by the choice of keycap material and design. On the flip side, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro boasts a combination of creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished characteristics, resulting in a tactile experience that feels refined and responsive. Users can expect a well-rounded typing experience that not only provides a smooth glide but also incorporates a delightful spring-like rebound and responsiveness, making it a versatile choice for different types of tasks, from gaming to typing.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Cloud - 50g shines with its bright, clacky sound and silky smooth feel, while the V3 Cream Black Pro impresses with its high-pitched auditory profile and multi-faceted tactile experience. Whether you lean towards the lighter and brighter experience of the Cloud or the rich array of sensations offered by the Cream Black Pro, both switches promise a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience that is likely to meet your needs. Ultimately, your choice may boil down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback, as both options deliver exceptional performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a clacky sound profile for an engaging typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is the way to go. Its 50-gram actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes, making it a great choice for gaming or extensive typing sessions where quick responses are key. Additionally, the silky smooth feel enhances your overall experience, perfect for those who prioritize a delightful tactile sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance and a deeper sound character, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro might be ideal for you. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, these switches provide a satisfying, bouncy feedback that can enhance your tactile experience while typing. The creamy, polished finish coupled with their snappy response makes them a stellar choice for those who appreciate a combination of sound and feel without sacrificing quality, especially if you're budget-conscious. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing habits and aesthetic preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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