Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switches, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Perky offer unique features that appeal to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches are an excellent choice for budget-conscious users seeking an impressive balance of quality and performance; these linear switches are known for their distinctive poppy and clacky sound along with a smooth typing experience that creates a dynamic sensation while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches, with their softer and more glittery nylon housings, provide a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience characterized by a shorter travel distance, resulting in a more compact feel. While both options cater to linear switch enthusiasts, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro captures attention with its lively acoustics and polished motion, whereas the HMX Perky emphasizes a more subtle and condensed typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Perky present an interesting contrast in their top housing materials. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In comparison, the HMX Perky uses a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound. The softer characteristics of nylon contribute to a duller and rounder auditory output, differentiating it from the more pronounced qualities of the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a similar auditory experience that is deeper and richer. This shared material means that both switches will display a similar bottom-out sound and feel, irrespective of the differences noted in their top housings. The nylon's absorptive properties in both switches create a sound profile that is consistent in terms of the tactile feedback and sound when the key is pressed down. Therefore, while the upper function of each switch diverges, the resulting aural experience when bottoming out will be aligned due to the common use of nylon.
When considering the overall performance, the combination of different materials in the V3 Cream Black Pro and HMX Perky produces unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences. The distinct qualities of polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Black Pro elevate the sharper sound upon release, while the nylon top housing in the HMX Perky provides a milder auditory experience. However, both switches benefit from their nylon bottom housings, which ensure a fuller sound experience when activated. Ultimately, consumers can choose based on their auditory preferences, knowing that they will achieve similar results when engaging the switch thanks to the nylon used in both designs.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch showcase distinct characteristics in terms of 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 Perky is much lighter, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Perky provides a softer and less strenuous typing experience, making it ideal for prolonged use, such as for work or extended gaming sessions, while the V3 Cream Black Pro's heavier push offers a more substantial feel that some typists prefer for a more tactile feedback experience. Overall, if you seek a lighter switch for ease of use, the HMX Perky is the better choice, whereas if a firmer response is what you desire, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is more suited to your needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Perky linear switches, there is a slight difference, with the V3 Cream Black Pro having a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Perky measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro the shorter option, providing a marginally quicker response time that might appeal to gamers seeking faster key presses. In contrast, the HMX Perky's 3.4 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, which may suit users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience while typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you enjoy a snappier feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the preferred choice, whereas those who favor a deeper engagement might lean towards the slightly longer Perky switch.
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 Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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 comparing the sound characteristics of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Perky linear switches, notable differences arise. The V3 Cream Black Pro is celebrated for its high-pitched sound profile, producing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that many users find satisfying, especially if they prefer a more vibrant acoustic experience over bass-heavy sounds. The precise quality of the Perky switches in terms of sound is unknown, leaving us without a direct comparison. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound produced by either switch can also vary significantly depending on the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps.
In feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switches are characterized by their creamy, bouncy, snappy, and polished feedback, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience along with a lively rebound sensation when keys are pressed. This combination creates a typing journey that feels both effortless and responsive, making it ideal for those who enjoy a dynamic typing environment. The exact feel characteristics of the Perky switches, however, are unspecified, preventing a direct comparison in this aspect. Users of the V3 Cream Black Pro can expect a consistently enjoyable tactile experience, while the Perky's feel remains an open question.
In summary, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch provides defined auditory and tactile qualities that cater to those seeking a refined and enjoyable typing experience, particularly with its high-pitched sound and rich textural feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Perky linear switch presents an intriguing choice, yet its sound and feel characteristics are currently unclear, leaving potential users wanting for more information. Depending on individual preferences, both switches may yield satisfactory results, but those who prioritize auditory sharpness and a lively feel might lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro for a more defined experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Perky linear switches, your personal typing preferences and intended use will play a crucial role in guiding your choice. If you are a gamer or typist searching for a more substantial feedback and tactile experience without sacrificing smoothness, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, is an excellent option. This switch's unique poppy sound and creamy, bouncy feel can enhance your typing experience, providing both auditory and tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and a more condensed typing feel, the HMX Perky, with its 50-gram actuation force, might be more suited to your needs. Its softer nylon housing ensures a neutral and satisfying typing experience while allowing for quick key presses, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you prioritize sound, pressure, and the overall feel of the switches in your own mechanical keyboard journey.
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