HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g, known for its clacky sound profile, provides a lighter touch, making it an excellent option for enthusiasts who appreciate a bright and engaging typing experience. Its silky smooth feel enhances efficiency during long typing sessions, appealing to those who favor a straightforward linear switch. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro stands out with its smooth and substantial feel, delivering a clearly articulated keystroke that is both solid and responsive. This design results in a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out, offering gratifying feedback appreciated by typists and gamers alike. While both switches cater to those who enjoy linear responses, they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro, a significant difference arises in the choice of material for the top housings. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is largely due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced during typing, creating a more vibrant auditory experience. Therefore, while the Cloud - 50g excels in producing softer tones, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro stands out for its bright and clear acoustic output.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro utilize nylon, leading to similar sound characteristics that focus on producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing serves to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder tone that complements the sharper sound from the V3 Matcha Green Pro's polycarbonate housing above. Consequently, both switches leverage nylon's inherent qualities for the bottom-out sound and feel, making them comparable in this respect. This shared material choice results in a type of consistency in the typing feel, ensuring that users experience a similar level of richness in the sound when the key is pressed down.
The interaction between these differing top housing materials and the shared bottom housing creates a unique experience for users of both switches. While the Cloud - 50g's nylon top delivers a more muted auditory feedback during key release, the polycarbonate top of the V3 Matcha Green Pro enhances the sounds during key lifts. Simultaneously, both switches' nylon bottoms influence the tactile feel and the quality of sound when the key bottoms out, providing an interesting juxtaposition in their overall performance. This contrast can allow typists to choose based on their sound preference, whether they lean towards a fuller, warmer output or a brighter, crisper feedback, while still enjoying similar body sensations due to the shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cloud - 50g features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, perfect for extended periods of use. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. As a result, while the Cloud - 50g is the lighter option, appealing to users who may require longer typing sessions with less fatigue, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a firmer push, appealing to those who prefer the tactile feedback of a heavier switch during typing or gaming. In summary, if you value a softer touch, the Cloud - 50g is your best bet, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a more robust sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it’s clear that the Cloud - 50g has a slightly longer travel distance at 3.9 mm compared to the 3.8 mm of the V3 Matcha Green Pro. This negligible difference means that while both switches are relatively close, those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may find the Cloud - 50g more to their liking. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro’s shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Thus, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness; those favoring a more pronounced depth in keystrokes might lean towards the HMX Cloud, while those seeking faster actuation might opt for the Akko V3 Matcha Green 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 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, the HMX Cloud - 50g switches are well-regarded for their clacky sound profile, offering a bright and lively auditory experience that enhances the joy of typing. Users can expect a pleasant percussive quality when presses are made, creating a satisfying ambiance that many enthusiasts seek. Conversely, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches also deliver a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and resonant tone. The sound produced from these switches is described as crisp and immersive, providing clear auditory feedback with each keystroke. While both switches aim to provide an engaging sound profile, the Matcha Green Pro leans a bit more towards having a richer resonance, which may appeal to those looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g switches are praised for their exceptionally silky and smooth sensation. This smoothness contributes to a seamless typing experience, allowing users to glide effortlessly from one key to another without resistance. In contrast, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches present a more multifaceted feeling; they are described as having a bouncy and creamy texture that provides a lively rebound and a buttery typing experience. The combination of these qualities offers a solid and responsive keystroke alongside a polished finish, resulting in a refined typing experience. While both switches provide a pleasurable touch, the Matcha Green Pro stands out for its combination of bounce and smoothness, which appeals to varied typing preferences.
In conclusion, choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch ultimately hinges on personal preference in sound and feel. Both options deliver a clacky sound profile, though the Matcha Green Pro offers a richer resonance that may enhance the auditory experience. In terms of tactile feedback, the silky smoothness of the Cloud - 50g contrasts with the bounciness and creamy feel of the Matcha Green Pro, catering to different typing styles. Ultimately, both switches promise enjoyable results, but your choice will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness or a lively, responsive typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, your preferences and typing style should guide your decision. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile, then the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides a silky smooth feel that enhances your typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions and those who prioritize speed and a more relaxed keypress. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more substantial feel with noticeable tactile feedback, the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro will serve you well. With its 63-gram bottom-out force, it offers a bouncy, creamy, and polished typing experience that provides a satisfying sharp bottom-out and resonant sound. This switch is particularly appealing to typists and gamers who appreciate a more tactile and responsive keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you favor a lighter, smoother experience or a more grounded, substantial feel with distinct auditory feedback.
Mentioned in this article
