Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and HMX Hibiscus are both excellent contenders in the linear switch category, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is an appealing choice for budget-conscious users, delivering a delightful sound profile characterized by a poppy and clacky tone, along with a smooth and bouncy feel that many typists enjoy. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switches are known for their ultra-light actuation force and extremely smooth typing experience, making them a standout option for those who prioritize effortless keystrokes and a satisfyingly crispy sound. While both switches provide quality performance and auditory feedback, their distinct designs and features help to cater to varying preferences among typists and gamers alike. 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
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
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
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Hibiscus differ in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing that is designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relative stiffness. This quality makes it particularly effective for users aiming for a clear and resonant auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is in play, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects of backlighting. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus employs a nylon top housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference means that a user’s tactile and auditory feedback will differ between the two switches when they engage the top housing.
However, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and HMX Hibiscus share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as both utilize nylon. This similarity in material means that both switches will deliver a consistently deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, as the nylon effectively absorbs sound and diminishes sharper tones, creating a more muted experience. As a result, while the top housings' distinct materials create varied auditory characteristics when releasing keys, the nylon bottom housing ensures a unified sound experience upon key activation. Thus, while users may enjoy different sound qualities on key release, they can expect a consistent auditory feedback during actuation with both switches.
In conclusion, the comparative analysis of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Hibiscus reveals a unique dichotomy in sound performance attributed to their differing top housing materials, while a shared bottom housing material unifies their actuation characteristics. The polycarbonate top of the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a sharper sound, contrasting with the warmer tones produced by the nylon top of the Hibiscus. Nonetheless, both switches deliver a deeper sound profile when pressed, making them suitable for users who appreciate a fuller auditory feedback when typing. Consequently, users can choose between these switches based on their preference for top housing sound characteristics, while being assured of a similar experience in the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch to the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus offers a much lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that users who prefer a softer touch will likely favor the Hibiscus, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the heavier V3 Cream Black Pro. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for weight and tactile feedback, with the Hibiscus being the lighter option and the V3 Cream Black Pro providing a heavier push feel.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Hibiscus switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the V3 Cream Black Pro the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel ideal for gamers who seek quicker actuation times. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus, with its longer travel distance, provides a depth that some users may prefer for a more satisfying keystroke experience. Overall, choosing between these switches depends on personal preference; if you favor responsiveness, the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the better fit, while those who enjoy a more pronounced depth might lean towards the HMX Hibiscus.
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 Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches deliver a distinctively high-pitched and sharp sound profile, resulting in a poppy and clacky auditory experience that many enthusiasts find appealing. This sound character can add an engaging atmosphere to typing sessions, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate more pronounced acoustics. On the other hand, while the HMX Hibiscus switches also claim a satisfyingly clacky and crispy sound signature, there are no specific sound descriptors provided to contrast with the Cream Black Pro’s high-pitched quality. Thus, while both switches offer a clacky sound, the Hibiscus may still present a slightly different auditory experience that may need further exploration.
When considering the feel of each switch, the V3 Cream Black Pro provides an exceptionally creamy and smooth typing experience, allowing users to glide their fingers effortlessly across the keys. The combination of buttery smoothness and some bouncy, spring-like feedback adds an element of liveliness to each keystroke. Additionally, the snappy responsiveness further enhances the typing experience, ensuring each press feels satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus switches are noted for their unparalleled smoothness, although there are no detailed descriptors provided to elaborate on additional qualities such as bounciness or responsiveness. This might suggest that the Hibiscus switches prioritize a silky feel, but without the extensive characterization found in the Cream Black Pro.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and HMX Hibiscus linear switches offer engaging auditory and tactile experiences, making them intriguing options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cream Black Pro’s distinctive high-pitched sound, creamy texture, and lively feedback stand out among budget switches, while the Hibiscus is noted for its exceptional smoothness with a similar clacky sound signature. While the Hibiscus might lack detail in terms of feel descriptors, it still promises a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and experiences, ensuring that users can find a suitable choice based on their specific needs and auditory tastes.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Hibiscus linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound signature. If you favor a medium-heavy actuation with a robust bottom-out force of 65 grams, the V3 Cream Black Pro will likely resonate with you, especially if you appreciate a smooth and creamy typing experience combined with a high-pitched, clacky sound. This switch is an excellent option for those who enjoy a more tactile and responsive feel, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an actuation force of only 48 grams, the HMX Hibiscus switches provide an ultra-smooth typing experience with plenty of bounciness and a satisfyingly crispy sound profile. These switches are ideal for those who might be concerned with finger fatigue or who simply prefer a more effortless keystroke while typing, making them perfect for extended use or for individuals who lean more toward casual gaming and typing. Ultimately, both switches excel in their unique ways, so consider your typing habits and preferences to choose the one that will best complement your mechanical keyboard experience.
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