Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX EMO mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches present distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is celebrated for its budget-friendly yet high-quality construction, offering a poppy and clacky sound with exceptional smoothness. On the other hand, the HMX EMO provides a lively and bouncy typing experience with its feather-light 46g bottom-out force and factory-lubed design. While the Akko switch boasts a creamy and snappy feel, the HMX EMO focuses on delivering a satisfying and smooth typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX EMO both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for light to shine through. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the EMO also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar sound profile to the V3 Cream Black Pro.
Though both switches have a polycarbonate top housing, the V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX EMO differ in their bottom housing material. The V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound during typing, while the EMO's nylon bottom housing offers a similar sound experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their choice of housing materials.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX EMO showcase the impact that different housing materials can have on the sound profile of mechanical switches. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, their nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether using the V3 Cream Black Pro with its split housing materials or the EMO with its consistent nylon construction, users can expect a unique typing sensation based on the chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch to the HMX EMO linear switch, it is evident that the V3 has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the EMO. The V3 Cream Black Pro requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the HMX EMO only needs 40 grams to actuate and 46 grams to bottom out, falling into the lighter category. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro would provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the HMX EMO would be lighter and potentially better suited for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to everyone, but for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro may be the better choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a slightly deeper press may prefer the HMX EMO linear switch. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will play a significant role in determining which switch is the right choice for each individual.
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 EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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 linear switch is known for its high-pitched and crisp sound profile. This produces a sharp and distinct noise when pressed, ideal for those who prefer a brighter sound. On the other hand, information regarding the sound profile of the HMX EMO linear switch is not available, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it's important to note that factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps can also influence the overall sound produced by a switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This means that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lively and elastic feedback sensation. The keys feel responsive and well-refined, providing a sleek and polished typing experience. In contrast, details about the feel of the HMX EMO linear switch are not provided, making it challenging to directly compare the two switches in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched sound profile and creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel. On the other hand, information about the sound and feel of the HMX EMO linear switch is currently unknown. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a bright sound and smooth, bouncy typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro may be the better choice based on the available information. However, if further details about the HMX EMO switch become available and align with your preferences, you may achieve similar results with either switch depending on your keyboard setup and personal typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, consider your preference for typing force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and enjoy a unique poppy and clacky sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and desire a lively, clacky feel with smooth and bouncy typing experience, the HMX EMO switch would suit you better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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