HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing options that balance sound, feel, and responsiveness. The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro are two popular linear switches that cater to different preferences but share common traits that appeal to typists and gamers alike. The HMX Cloud - 50g is known for its lighter actuation force and distinctive clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a brighter, more resonant typing experience combined with a silky smooth feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a lively sound signature thanks to its long pole design, delivering a snappy auditory feedback alongside a smooth actuation, ensuring an engaging tactile feel. While both switches create a satisfying linear experience, they cater to different auditory and tactile desires. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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
Both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon for their top and bottom switch housings, making their sound profiles quite similar. Nylon is recognized widely as a classic material in the production of keyboard switches due to its softer texture, which allows for effective sound absorption. As a result, typing on switches that feature nylon housings yields a deeper and fuller sound. The Cloud - 50g and the V3 Piano Pro will thus produce a comparable typing experience with a rounder sound profile, largely due to the inherent acoustic properties of nylon. This shared material choice facilitates a more velvety and muted auditory feedback, ideal for those seeking a quieter typing environment.
Despite their use of the same material, the impact of the switch's design becomes important when considering the bottom and top housing characteristics. In both models, the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon releasing a key. This duality presents an opportunity for slight variations in the switch experience depending on the specifics of each model's design. However, because both the Cloud - 50g and the V3 Piano Pro share nylon components for both housings, keying down on either switch will create a similarly rich tactile response, along with the subdued acoustic elements that users appreciate.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both showcase nylon as their housing material, the interaction between their top and bottom designs aligns closely. This results in similarities in sound absorption and overall acoustic profiles. Therefore, enthusiasts who gravitate towards either switch can expect a consistent foundational typing experience that leverages the advantageous properties of nylon, ensuring that both models deliver a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback, regardless of slight differences in switch architecture.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we observe some differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cloud - 50g has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback when typing. While both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, the Akko V3's heavier forces offer a more pronounced feel, which some users might prefer. Overall, users looking for a lighter feel should lean towards the HMX Cloud - 50g, while those seeking a bit more resistance and feedback may find the Akko V3 Piano Pro more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, there is a notable difference. The HMX Cloud - 50g boasts a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Consequently, if you prioritize a faster response time, the Akko V3 Piano Pro might be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, favoring a more reactive keystroke suitable for gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its 3.9 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial feel that some users may prefer, providing a sense of depth in each key press. Thus, if you want that hearty depth in your typing experience, the Cloud - 50g is the better option, while the V3 Piano Pro caters to those seeking quicker, more immediate responses.
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 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 brings a clacky sound profile that caters to users who enjoy a bright and lively auditory experience. This switch produces sharp, crisp, and percussive sounds, making typing feel dynamic and engaging. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro also offers a resonant and snappy sound signature, characterized by its high-pitched, clean notes that add an immersive quality to each keystroke. While the Cloud - 50g is distinctly clacky, the V3 Piano Pro maintains a sharpness that elevates the acoustic charm, creating a similarly engaging environment for users who appreciate auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its silky smoothness, ensuring an effortless typing experience. This ease of keystroke completion is crucial for those who prioritize a seamless interaction with their keyboard. The Akko V3 Piano Pro, on the other hand, presents a unique blend of textures, offering a bouncy sensation that adds a lively rebound effect when pressed. Additionally, its creamy and polished characteristics contribute to a buttery typing experience, minimizing friction and resistance. Therefore, while both switches are designed for smooth operations, the V3 Piano Pro adds more dynamic feedback to its feel, appealing to those who enjoy an active typing experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches provide quality experiences, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Cloud - 50g is ideal for those who appreciate a bright and engaging sound, combined with a silky smooth feel, making it perfect for long typing sessions. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro enhances both sound and tactile feedback with its lively, bouncy actuation and polished finish, offering a more active typing experience. Ultimately, regardless of whether you choose the Cloud - 50g or the V3 Piano Pro, both switches can deliver enjoyable results tailored to different types of keystroke enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the typing experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter touch with a clackier, more vibrant sound profile, the HMX Cloud - 50g is well-suited for you. Its 50g actuation force ensures effortless key presses, making it ideal for fast typists or those who enjoy a bright auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly heavier feel with a snappier sound, the Akko V3 Piano Pro might be the better option. With its 55g actuation force, it offers a satisfying bounce and a crisp sound signature that can energize your typing sessions, particularly for creative work or gaming where auditory feedback can enhance immersion. Both switches promise smoothness and a refined feel, but it ultimately comes down to whether you value a lighter, clackier type of switch or a bouncier, crisper one. By considering how each switch caters to your preferences for sound and feel, you can make an informed decision that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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