HMX Cloud - 50g vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing options between the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both of which are linear switches yet offer distinct experiences. The HMX Cloud - 50g is celebrated for its clacky sound profile and lighter 50g actuation force, providing a bright typing experience that many users find satisfying. It's ideal for those who appreciate a silky smooth feel in their keystrokes, making it a great choice for both typing and general use. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is specifically designed with gamers in mind, featuring a light actuation force and shortened travel distance that allows for swift and responsive keystrokes—crucial attributes for high-pressure gaming situations. While the V3 Silver Pro produces a bassy sound that further enhances the gaming experience, the HMX Cloud caters to those who enjoy a more traditional, lighter touch. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilize distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. The Cloud - 50g features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition. This property allows the nylon to absorb sound waves more effectively, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro’s top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, crisper sound. This material choice lends itself to clearer resonance, showcasing the differences in auditory experience between the two switches.
Both the HMX Cloud - 50g and Akko V3 Silver Pro share nylon as their bottom housing material, creating a consistent foundation for the switches' sound and feel. Given that nylon is a classic and well-regarded switch housing material, both switches maintain the characteristic deeper and fuller sound profile that results from nylon's sound-absorption qualities. The use of nylon in the bottom housing means that when users bottom out the switches during typing, they will experience the plush, rounded feedback that nylon provides. This consistency in bottom housing contributes to a cohesive experience, even when the top housings differ markedly.
When considering the overall performance of the two switches, it is clear that the contrasting top housing materials will yield different auditory experiences during key presses and releases. The Cloud - 50g’s nylon top results in a more subdued sound profile, whereas the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top contributes a more vibrant, resonant sound. However, since both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, users can expect a certain degree of similarity in the bottom-out sounds and tactile feel regardless of the top housing variation. This combination illustrates how the interplay between different materials in the housing of mechanical switches can create nuanced differences in performance while still allowing for shared characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, both switches exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. The Cloud - 50g has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while both switches are on the lighter side, the V3 Silver Pro is the more lightweight option, requiring less force to actuate a keystroke. However, the HMX Cloud - 50g offers a stronger bottom out feel, providing a more substantial typing experience when keys are fully pressed down. Overall, users who prefer a lighter touch may lean toward the Akko V3 Silver Pro, whereas those who enjoy a firmer bottom out feel might favor the HMX Cloud - 50g.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Cloud - 50g features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, making it the longer option, while the V3 Silver Pro boasts a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. For those who appreciate a more measured experience with a noticeable depth when pressing down on keys, the Cloud - 50g may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro caters to users seeking quicker response times, which is often favored by gamers who benefit from the shorter distance. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding tactile feedback and responsiveness.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 is characterized by a bright and clacky sound profile, which appeals to enthusiasts who prefer a lively auditory experience while typing. This sound signature tends to enhance the tactile satisfaction of keystrokes, making typing feel more engaging. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro produces a high-pitched, sharp sound that is crisp and distinct. This quality is favored by users who may not appreciate the richer, deeper tones of other switches. While both switches deliver unique sound experiences, the Cloud - 50g promotes a higher, more pronounced sound, whereas the V3 Silver Pro offers a more refined acuity.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 50g is known for its silky smoothness, enhancing the overall typing experience with a seamless and fluid action that users find pleasurable. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro excels with a combination of easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky characteristics. These attributes result in a switch that requires minimal force to activate, effectively reducing finger fatigue, making it ideal for prolonged use—be it for gaming or intense typing sessions. While both switches prioritize smooth operation, the V3 Silver Pro's focus on lightness and responsiveness creates a unique advantage in high-speed scenarios.
Ultimately, both the HMX Cloud - 50g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored for different user preferences. The Cloud - 50g appeals to those who relish a clacky, bright typing experience, while the V3 Silver Pro caters well to gamers seeking a sharp sound and ultra-responsive feel. Choosing between these two will hinge on personal priorities—whether one leans towards auditory excitement and smoothness or a featherlight touch complemented by crisp acoustics. Regardless of choice, both switches are designed to elevate your typing and gaming experience, equipping you with the responsiveness and tactile enjoyment you seek.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, consider your primary use case and personal preferences. If you love a bright and clacky sound profile that enhances your typing experience and enjoy a silky smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g is an excellent choice. Its 50g bottom-out force is light enough for comfortable typing sessions, making it suitable for enthusiasts who appreciate a tactile auditory feedback while they type. On the other hand, if you're inclined towards gaming and require swift, snappy key responses, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is tailored for you. With its slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, combined with a high-pitched sound profile and a focus on quick engagement, these switches excel in high-pressure gaming scenarios where milliseconds matter. Ultimately, your selection should align with whether you prioritize auditory feedback and typing enjoyment or need speed and responsiveness for competitive gaming. Consider these factors carefully to find the switch that best elevates your keyboard experience.
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