Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Jammy mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer their own unique advantages. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is praised for its budget-friendly price point paired with high-quality performance. These switches are known for their poppy and clacky sound, smoothness, and bouncy feel. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy switches boast a more muted and deeply satisfying typing experience, thanks to their softer nylon housings. While the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is characterized by its creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, and polished attributes, the HMX Jammy's specific categorizations are not provided. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your mechanical keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Jammy differ significantly. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Jammy utilizes a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. These differences in housing materials result in distinct auditory experiences when typing on the keyboards.
On the other hand, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Jammy incorporate nylon bottom housings. This classic switch housing material is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite the similarities in the bottom housing material, subtle variations in design and construction may still impact the overall typing experience on each keyboard. The combination of materials used in these keyboards results in a unique tactile and auditory experience for users.
In the case of having different materials for the top and bottom housings of a switch, the qualities of each housing material are distributed accordingly. The bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. This division of characteristics allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with the properties of each housing material contributing to the overall sound and feel of the keyboard.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, we see that the V3 Cream Black Pro has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Jammy's 57 grams. However, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Jammy has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a lighter initial press but a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down, while the Jammy offers a slightly heavier overall typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing intensity and force feedback.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jammy has a longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Black Pro may appeal more to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Jammy may provide a more satisfying and deep keystroke feel. Both switches offer different typing experiences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference for travel distance.
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 Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy 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
When it comes to sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is known for its high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, offering a distinct and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the HMX Jammy switch has a more muted sound profile, providing a quieter and more satisfying typing experience. The sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is described as creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation with a lively and responsive feedback. This gives users a silky and polished typing experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable. The HMX Jammy switch, with its softer nylon housings, provides a medium-weight typing experience that feels deeply satisfying, although specific descriptors for its feel are not provided.
Overall, while both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and HMX Jammy switches offer unique qualities in sound and feel, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a high-pitched and sharp sound with a smooth and bouncy feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch may be the best choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a more muted sound profile with a satisfying and medium-weight feel, the HMX Jammy switch could provide a typing experience that meets your preferences. Remember, selecting the right switch is a crucial aspect of customizing your mechanical keyboard to suit your individual typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams and a high-pitched, poppy sound with a creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished typing feel, then the V3 Cream Black Pro may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 63 grams and a softer, muted sound with a glittery nylon housing offering a deeply satisfying typing experience, then the HMX Jammy switch might suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what features and characteristics align best with your personal typing style and preferences.