Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Deep Navy offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The V3 Cream Black Pro excels in affordability without compromising on quality, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts. Its unique poppy and clacky sound, combined with a smooth keystroke feel, provides a richly engaging typing experience. Characterized as creamy, high-pitched, and bouncy, this switch is perfect for those who enjoy tactile feedback with a snappy response. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy switches boast a robust nylon construction that contributes to their rich, sharp sound profile and silky smoothness thanks to the Ly stem. These switches are geared more towards users who prioritize durability and a refined auditory experience in their typing. While both switches offer a linear feel and smooth actuation, their performance characteristics and sound profiles cater to different typing styles and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Deep Navy, a distinct contrast arises from the materials used in their top housings. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance of each keypress. Additionally, the polycarbonate’s transparency allows RGB lighting to shine through brilliantly, adding an aesthetic appeal for users who prioritize visual customization alongside audio quality. In contrast, the Deep Navy features a nylon top housing, which is softer and more absorbent than polycarbonate. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by a more muted and rounder audio experience. The use of nylon dampens the sound, giving a softer tactile feedback that many typists find pleasurable.
Examining the bottom housings, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Deep Navy utilize nylon, which serves as a consistent element in their sound experience. Nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, creating a uniformity in the auditory feedback between the two switches. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will provide a deeper and warmer sound profile when pressed. This similarity in bottom housing material promotes consistency in feel and audio feedback, as the inherent qualities of nylon will ensure that users enjoy a fuller sound whether they are typing on the V3 Cream Black Pro or the HMX Deep Navy.
Overall, while the top housing materials differ, leading to distinctly different sound profiles, the shared nylon in the bottom housing creates a cohesive auditory experience across both switches. Users opting for either the V3 Cream Black Pro or the HMX Deep Navy will appreciate the nuances each material brings to their typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing provides a brighter sound that is particularly suited for RGB lighting, while the nylon top of the Deep Navy delivers a rich and rounded tone. Therefore, both switches are tailored for different preferences, but their nylon bottom housings offer a grounding element that ensures a satisfying typing experience across the board.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, significant differences in both actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The V3 Cream Black Pro requires an actuation force of 55 grams and bottoms out at 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Deep Navy switch boasts a much lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the HMX Deep Navy would be more suitable, as it allows for less strain over extended use. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro due to its heavier feel. Ultimately, while the Cream Black Pro delivers a firmer response, the Deep Navy offers a softer touch, making it essential for users to consider their typing preferences when choosing between the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches, it is evident that the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Deep Navy features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Cream Black Pro is likely more responsive, making it a favorable choice for gamers who appreciate quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience with a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus a more substantial feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches produce a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp auditory experience, which can be particularly satisfying for users who prefer a more pronounced sound profile. This poppy and clacky tone adds an engaging quality to each keystroke, drawing attention without being overwhelmingly loud. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy switches feature a rich sound profile but lack specific descriptors to compare directly. However, they are engineered with a full nylon construction, suggesting a potentially distinct acoustic character that could differ from the Cream Black Pro’s sharper tones.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches are notably creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, leading to a typing experience characterized by smoothness and responsiveness. The creamy texture ensures that each keystroke glides effortlessly, while the bouncy and snappy qualities enhance feedback, making every press feel lively and engaged. The Deep Navy switches, however, do not have specific tactile qualities mentioned, leaving their feel somewhat unknown in comparison. It remains possible that they could offer a different tactile experience, but without more information, one cannot definitively categorize them.
In summary, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches provide a high-pitched sound and a rich variety of tactile sensations, making them excellent for those who enjoy a lively typing experience at a budget-friendly price. The HMX Deep Navy switches, while promising in quality with their nylon build, lack detailed descriptions in both sound and feel, leaving potential users curious about their overall performance compared to the Cream Black Pro. Ultimately, both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, and discovering which aligns with your typing style may be best achieved through personal testing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you lean towards a medium-heavy feel with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, appreciate a creamy and bouncy typing experience, and enjoy a high-pitched, sharp sound profile, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be an excellent option. This switch shines if you're looking for a smooth and responsive feel, making it great for both typing and gaming sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 45-gram bottom-out force, you should consider the HMX Deep Navy switches. Their full nylon construction ensures a rich sound profile, combined with a silky smooth keystroke that can enhance your overall typing experience. This switch may be especially appealing if you favor a quieter, more understated sound while still enjoying an ultra-smooth actuation. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value a heavier, more tactile typing experience or a lighter, standard yet luxurious feel, along with the respective acoustics you desire from your keyboard.
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