Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX KD200 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 KD200 are two impressive options that cater to different preferences while still belonging to the linear switch category. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro catches the eye of budget-conscious enthusiasts with its blend of enhanced sound and tactile quality, providing a unique poppy and clacky auditory feedback, along with a notably smooth keystroke. Its characteristics of being creamy, high-pitched, bouncy, snappy, and polished make it a versatile choice for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the HMX KD200, revered for its standout clacky sound within the HMX Film switch family, offers a distinct and satisfying auditory experience that some users may find irresistible, especially if they favor a louder typing scenario. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth, polished feel or an exhilaratingly clacky 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 V3 Cream Black Pro and HMX KD200 switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its rigidity. This material's translucency is also a valuable asset for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the KD200 features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. Therefore, while the V3 Cream Black Pro may excel in sharper clarity and brightness, the KD200 leans towards a more rounded sound characteristic.
Interestingly, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the KD200 share nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon's classic reputation as a switch housing material is reflected in both models, leading to similar deeper, fuller sound profiles upon key presses. This commonality highlights how the soft nature of nylon helps absorb sound, contributing to a more pleasant typing experience by minimizing the impact of bottoming out, regardless of the differences in their top housings. As such, while the two switches can sound and feel different overall when pressed, both integrate the same sound-absorbing properties in their lower cases, which ultimately provides a coherent auditory experience among both options.
When considering the sound experiences generated by these switches, the contrast between their top housing materials becomes a focal point, influencing how they feel in use. The V3 Cream Black Pro’s polycarbonate top provides clarity and a resonant quality that stands out upon release, while the nylon on the KD200 allows for a smoother, rounder sensation when a key is let go. This division signifies that the switches will produce different auditory characteristics, paralleling their tactile experiences. However, both share the nylon bottom housing bond, which balances the overall sound across the two designs, allowing for a rich sound experience even amid distinct differences. Ultimately, it illustrates how different materials can interact within the same switch design framework to offer variety while maintaining a level of coherence in sound quality and user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The V3 Cream Black Pro requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Conversely, the KD200 is lighter, with an actuation force of just 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users seeking a less strenuous typing experience during long work hours or gaming sessions. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter switch might find the KD200 more comfortable, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel would likely favor the V3 Cream Black Pro. Thus, the Akko switch offers a firmer push back, whereas the HMX options present a softer touch for ease of use.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX KD200 linear switch features a slightly greater travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a shorter travel distance compared to the KD200, making it potentially more responsive for users who prefer quicker key presses, which is often favored by gamers. Conversely, the longer 3.5 mm travel distance of the KD200 may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who appreciate the depth and feedback of each keystroke. If you're looking for a switch that allows for quicker response times, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a more pronounced and hearty key press, the HMX KD200 may be the preferable option.
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 KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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
The sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switch is characterized by a high-pitched, poppy, and clacky resonance, which delivers a sharp and crisp auditory experience when typing. This sound is often preferred by those who seek a more lively and engaging feedback from their keyboard. The KD200, standing out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, likely shares a similar emphasis on high-pitched sounds. However, without specific sound descriptors for the KD200, it’s difficult to pinpoint how its auditory characteristics may vary from the V3 Cream Black Pro. Both switches, nonetheless, may benefit from the specific setup of the keyboard and chosen keycaps, which can influence the overall sound experience.
When it comes to the feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches excel with their creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished qualities. This combination results in a uniquely smooth and buttery typing experience, making every keystroke feel effortless and satisfying. The added elasticity of the bouncy feel and the responsiveness of the snappy nature contribute to an engaging typing dynamic that many users adore. As for the KD200, details regarding its tactile feel remain unspecified; hence, we can't directly compare its feel against the well-defined qualities of the V3 Cream Black Pro.
In conclusion, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro impresses with its distinct sound and a range of tactile sensations, the HMX KD200's sound profile is notably highlighted as clacky without further details on its feel. If you favor a keyboard experience that emphasizes auditory feedback, both switches can offer similar high-pitched results, although the Cream Black Pro provides a more nuanced tactile experience. Ultimately, selecting between them may come down to personal preferences regarding tactile sensations and auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX KD200 linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for feel, sound, and pressure sensitivity. If you prefer a typing experience that combines substantial tactile feedback with a distinctive high-pitched sound, the V3 Cream Black Pro is an excellent choice. The medium-heavy 65-gram actuation force provides a satisfying resistance that many find rewarding, especially during long typing sessions or gaming. Its creamy and polished feel offers smooth keystrokes that glide effortlessly under your fingers, making it ideal for users who value both comfort and responsiveness. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a clacky sound profile, the HMX KD200 may be more to your liking. With a mere 50 grams of bottom-out force, these switches cater to those who prefer a quick and snappy response, making them perfect for fast typists or gamers who need to execute rapid commands. In summary, consider the V3 Cream Black Pro for a more robust and smooth typing experience, while the KD200 is better suited for those seeking a lightweight feel combined with an expressive auditory feedback.
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