HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is particularly favored by enthusiasts who appreciate its clacky sound profile and lighter actuation force, providing a bright and engaging typing experience with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro stands out as a budget-friendly option that delivers a satisfying auditory experience, characterized by a poppy, clacky sound and a creamy tactile feel. This switch is designed for those who seek a lively typing experience while maintaining high usability. Both switches serve well for different user bases, whether you prioritize a lightweight touch or a vibrant auditory response; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When examining the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, distinct contrasts emerge, particularly with regard to the top housing materials. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softer plastic lends a certain warmth to the typing experience, making each keystroke sound rounder and less harsh. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is significantly stiffer. This results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, providing a more resonant auditory feedback during typing. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, enhancing aesthetic appeal and visual effects.
Looking at the bottom housings, both switches converge on a similar material choice: nylon. The Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro both employ nylon in their bottom housings, which further emphasizes the characteristic traits of deep sound profiles. This consistent use of nylon contributes to the tactile experience and bottom-out sound across both switches, as nylon’s softer properties help to absorb noise and create a more muted resonance. Consequently, while the two switches differ in the material used in their top housings, they align in utilizing nylon for the bottom, thus providing some similarities in feel and sound.
Ultimately, the distinct choice of materials for the top housings of these two switches leads to variations in sound profiles during key press and release actions. The nylon top of the Cloud - 50g fosters a more subdued auditory experience, whereas the polycarbonate top of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers sharper sound clarity, especially beneficial for users who prefer a more pronounced feedback. Nevertheless, due to the shared nylon bottom housing, users of both switches can expect a foundational similarity in key press response and overall sound, despite the contrasting tonal qualities imparted by the different top materials. This design feature allows enthusiasts to experience diverse sound profiles from their keyboards, tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch offer distinct experiences due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort and ease during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and features an even heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial and firm typing experience. As a result, the Cloud - 50g is lighter overall, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a medium feel, appealing to different user preferences in terms of typing pressure. For users looking for a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Cloud - 50g would likely provide more comfort, whereas those favoring a stronger push might be better suited to the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, it's clear that there is a difference in their specifications. The HMX Cloud - 50g switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it a deeper option that may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, which aligns with the growing trend for quicker response times favored by gamers and those who enjoy a more responsive typing experience. Therefore, if you're seeking a switch with a more pronounced depth, the HMX Cloud would be the better choice, while the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro caters to those who favor quicker actuation.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cloud - 50g switch stands out with its clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a bright auditory experience while typing. This switch's sound is characterized by a sharp, crisp tone that can be quite satisfying for enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced sound during their keystrokes. In comparison, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro also delivers a poppy, clacky sound, which similarly caters to users seeking vibrant auditory feedback. Both switches are designed to resonate well, but the specific tonal quality could vary depending on your choice of board and keycaps, leading to an overall experience that aligns closely with both options.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 50g switch is known for providing a silky smooth experience. This refinement contributes to a pleasant typing experience, allowing for smooth key presses without much resistance. Meanwhile, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches are characterized by their combination of easy-to-press and feathery qualities. They boast a light actuation force that lessens finger fatigue, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, their bouncy and snappy nature provides responsive feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience. While the feel of the two switches may differ—being silky smooth versus a more dynamic, bouncy feel—both ultimately yield a satisfying experience for users.
Taking all of this into account, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches offer unique yet enjoyable typing experiences tailored for different preferences. The Cloud switch is ideal for those who prioritize a smooth and consistent action, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro caters to users who appreciate a lively, responsive feel with a touch of tactile feedback. However, both switches deliver in terms of sound and engagement, ensuring you can achieve a fulfilling typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during your keypresses, the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its 50g bottom-out force and clacky sound profile, offers a silky smooth feel that’s ideal for those who want a lively and bright typing experience. This makes it a great option for long typing sessions or gaming, where you prefer minimal resistance and maximal responsiveness, enhancing both comfort and performance. On the other hand, if you're looking for a dependable and budget-friendly switch that combines a delightful clacky sound with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, then the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is your best bet. Its easy-to-press and bouncy nature makes it suitable for users who want a vibrant auditory experience without sacrificing a creamy tactile feel, making typing feel effortless and enjoyable. Ultimately, assess how often you'll be typing, your comfort during longer sessions, and your budget to determine which switch resonates more with your typing style and experience.
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