HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often narrows down to personal preference and typing style. On one hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g is a linear switch that offers a silky smooth feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid keystroke experience. This switch is particularly appealing for enthusiasts who enjoy a bright typing profile accompanied by a lighter actuation force. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out as a tactile switch that delivers an engaging poppy and clacky sound, adding a lively character to each keystroke. Known for its notable tactile feedback, this switch is perfect for users who appreciate a more pronounced response while typing and desire an audible signature to their keystrokes. While both switches cater to different audiences, one focusing on smoothness and subtlety and the other emphasizing tactile sensation and auditory feedback, the ultimate decision rests on your typing preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, notable differences emerge, particularly with the top housing. The Cloud - 50g utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer characteristics, which allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances resonance, giving the sound a higher pitch and more clarity. Thus, while both switches rely on distinct acoustic properties, their overall auditory outputs differ significantly due to the materials used in their top housings.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings. This creates a commonality, as the use of nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile in both cases. The softer nature of nylon mitigates vibrations and absorbs sound, resulting in a muted and more rounded auditory experience when a key is pressed. As the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses, both the Cloud - 50g and the V3 Cream Blue Pro demonstrate a similar tactile response despite their differing top housings. The dual application of nylon in the bottom will ensure that both switches share certain tactile characteristics, maintaining a consistency in the feel when bottoming out.
Overall, the disparities between the top and bottom housing materials in these two switches shed light on how they affect sound and feel during use. The Cloud - 50g’s nylon top produces a warm, enveloping sound, whereas the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top enhances clarity and brightness. However, the consistent use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that the tactile experience remains similar in terms of pressing and bottoming out, reinforcing that while the top sound profiles contrast, both switches uphold a shared tactile foundation.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch with the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences. The Cloud - 50g has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who favor a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. While the actuation forces differ, they are relatively close, which means that users may experience similar responsiveness in both switches, albeit with a marginally firmer push in the Akko V3. Overall, if a lighter switch is desired, the HMX Cloud - 50g is the better choice, while the heavier V3 Cream Blue Pro caters to those looking for a more pronounced tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, there is a clear distinction. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that users who opt for the Cloud - 50g will experience a deeper click with more resistance, which may be preferable for those who favor a fuller tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro caters to gamers and those who prioritize quick response times, offering a snappier feel that can enhance performance in fast-paced environments. Thus, for users who enjoy a hearty depth in their key presses, the Cloud - 50g is the better choice, while those who prefer a more immediate feedback and quick actuation should lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro.
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 Blue 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 Blue 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 - 50g switch is characterized by its clacky sound profile, offering a lively and bright auditory feedback that is popular among typing enthusiasts. This contrasts with the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch, which also features a distinct poppy and clacky sound, allowing for an equally engaging acoustic experience. Both switches thrive on their audible feedback, making them excellent choices for users who enjoy a spirited and energetic typing atmosphere. However, it's essential to note that the overall sound can be influenced by factors like the type of keyboard used and the keycaps applied.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is noted for its silky smoothness, providing a seamless typing experience that many find pleasurable. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro displays a range of tactile qualities. Described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, these switches offer a unique tactile feedback that is engaging but not overly intense. The pronounced tactility provides a satisfying sensation while typing but maintains a smooth action that many users enjoy. Both switches strive for a refined typing experience, though their tactile feedback characteristics diverge quite a bit, with the Cloud - 50g offering a smoother action while the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a more intricate tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches cater to users who appreciate lively sound profiles and engaging feel. While the Cloud - 50g emphasizes a silky smooth sensation and a bright auditory experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro enhances the tactile experience with its range of nuanced feedback. For newcomers, selecting between these two will ultimately depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback, as both switches deliver enjoyable results that suit different typing styles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you find yourself inclined toward a lighter switch that offers a silky smooth feel combined with a vibrant, clacky sound profile, the Cloud - 50g would be the ideal choice for you. It caters to enthusiasts who revel in a bright typing experience, making it an excellent option for both gaming and extended typing sessions where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile experience with a bit more feedback, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is an appealing option. Its distinct poppy sound, medium-light weight, and the delightful tactile sensation create an engaging typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness or tactile engagement and lively audio in your mechanical keyboard.
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