Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Jelly both offer unique advantages, particularly for users who favor linear switches. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is an excellent option for those on a budget who do not want to compromise on quality. Renowned for its satisfying poppy and clacky sound, this switch delivers a polished typing experience characterized by a creamy feel and a slightly snappy response. In contrast, the HMX Jelly presents a different acoustic profile, boasting a low-pitched, thocky sound that many users find appealing for a more subdued auditory experience. With its lightweight actuation force of 42g and exceptional factory lubrication, the Jelly is designed for smooth, effortless keystrokes, making it an attractive choice for extended typing sessions. Both switches cater to varied preferences in sound and tactile feedback, allowing users to find a switch that aligns with their typing style. 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
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Jelly switches demonstrate distinct approaches to switch housing materials, contributing to their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the key is released. This aspect is further enhanced by the use of RGB lighting, making polycarbonate a popular choice for aesthetic appeal and pronounced sound clarity. In contrast, the HMX Jelly opts for a nylon top housing, a material recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which dampens sound and provides a rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in top housing materials leads to distinct sound characteristics during use, with the V3 Cream Black Pro leaning towards clarity and brightness, while the HMX Jelly resonates a warmer tone.
Examining the bottom housings, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Jelly utilize nylon, rending their bottom-out sounds and tactile sensations more aligned. As nylon is a classic switch housing material, it contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile across both models. This shared bottom housing material means that users will experience similar qualities when bottoming out, as the nylon's sound-absorbing properties deliver a consistent dullness and rounded sound, regardless of the differing top housings. Consequently, when pressing down on either switch, the experience feels comparable due to this commonality in bottom housing materials.
In essence, while the two switches diverge in their choice of top housing—resulting in different auditory responses during key release—their use of nylon for the bottom housing unifies their tactile feel upon actuation. If you prefer a crisper and brighter sound while utilizing RGB features, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the ideal choice. However, if you're drawn to a deeper, rounded auditory experience, the HMX Jelly is more suited to your taste. Ultimately, despite their differences, users can still achieve a cohesive experience when it comes to bottoming out, highlighting how the interplay between the two materials in different sections of the switches impacts their overall performance.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that delivers a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the HMX Jelly switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, catering to users who favor a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, while the V3 Cream Black Pro is the heavier option, the HMX Jelly provides a more delicate feel, making it suitable for those seeking comfort over sustained use. Overall, if users prioritize a lighter switch for extended redactions, the Jelly stands out, while the V3 Cream offers a satisfying resistance for a reassuring typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is 3.3 mm, while the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Cream Black Pro the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users who favor a more responsive typing experience due to the reduced distance needed for actuation. Conversely, the Jelly's longer 3.8 mm travel distance may provide a deeper and more satisfying feel for those who appreciate a more pronounced key press, which can help avoid the abrupt sensation that can accompany shorter distances. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus tactile depth, as the differences in travel distance align with those distinct user experiences.
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 Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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 linear switch produces a high-pitched, poppy clack that is sharp and crisp, appealing to those who prefer more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This distinctive sound profile can make the typing experience feel lively and engaging, especially in quieter environments where every keystroke can be heard. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a deeper, thockier sound signature, providing a low-pitched auditory experience that many users may find satisfying and rich with resonance. The Jelly's sound may appeal to those who lean towards a more muted audio feedback, delivering a more subdued yet pleasing typing sound. However, keep in mind that sound quality can also vary significantly based on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro excels with its creamy and buttery smoothness, providing a silky typing experience that is heightened by its factory lubrication. This smoothness allows for easy key travel, almost like gliding across the switches, creating a pleasant tactile sensation. Additionally, the bouncy characteristic of the switch contributes to a lively feedback, making each keystroke feel responsive and engaging. On the other hand, the feel of the HMX Jelly switches is currently unknown, which leaves room for exploration and discovery for those eager to test how it compares in terms of tactile feedback, resistance, or overall typing comfort.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and HMX Jelly switches have their unique qualities catering to different preferences. The V3 Cream Black Pro is ideal for users who appreciate a high-pitched sound and a smooth typing experience with responsive feedback, while the Jelly offers a different auditory experience with its deep, thocky sound, though specifics on its tactile quality are currently untested. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can find satisfaction in either option, while ultimately, personal testing may lead you to discover which switch best suits your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Jelly linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you find yourself drawn to a heavier typing experience, you may prefer the V3 Cream Black Pro, which offers a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams. This switch excels in providing a unique poppy and clacky sound along with a creamy, bouncy feel that translates into a dynamic and enjoyable typing experience. It's particularly well-suited for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a more resistant keystroke and appreciate a sharper auditory profile. Conversely, if you gravitate towards a lighter touch with a more subdued sound quality, the HMX Jelly is an excellent option. With its light actuation force of 48 grams and deep, thocky sound, it's tailored for those who prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience—ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where quick key presses are essential. Thus, consider what aspects—be it actuation force, sound character, or overall feel—are most critical for your typing style, and let that guide your decision between these two remarkable switches.
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