Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, two compelling options emerge: the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches are celebrated for their delightful poppy and clacky sound profile, alongside their impressive smoothness, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts who still demand quality performance. These switches offer a uniquely vibrant typing experience, elevating your keystrokes with a bouncy and snappy feel that many gamers and typists appreciate. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches cater to those seeking a serene typing environment, boasting a whisper-quiet operation akin to the soothing sound of raindrops. With a well-balanced 53g bottom-out force, these switches provide a satisfying tactile response while minimizing distractions, making them ideal for quiet office settings or late-night gaming sessions. While both switches are linear and share certain characteristics, they serve different preferences and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which result in distinct acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This quality enhances its ability to create a resonant sound profile, particularly beneficial when enhancing RGB lighting aesthetics with its translucency. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer structure, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound. Therefore, while both switches perform well acoustically, their sound characteristics diverge significantly based on the top housing material, leading to varied auditory experiences when typing.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a similar contrast in materials, with the V3 Cream Black Pro opting for a nylon bottom housing and the Silent Sakura - 53g featuring a polycarbonate bottom. The nylon bottom of the V3 Cream Black Pro continues the trend of producing a deeper sound profile, contributing to a duller and rounder auditory experience, while the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura enhances clarity and sharpness in sound, aligning with its top housing's properties. This juxtaposition indicates that the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound and feel of a keypress differs between the two switches, where the nylon bottom emphasizes a cushioned experience versus the polycarbonate’s focus on resonance.
In summary, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g differ in material for both their top and bottom housings, this variance yields unique auditory experiences depending on which housing it employs. The V3's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a balanced sound profile that incorporates both sharpness and depth, while the Silent Sakura's use of nylon and polycarbonate reflects a distinct emphasis on richness and clarity. Despite these differences, the specific qualities of each material still affect how users perceive the sound and tactile feedback of the switches, ultimately leading to a unique typing experience for each model. Users seeking a specific sound profile or tactile feeling will find distinctive outcomes from each switch, yet each can create an enjoyable experience depending on individual preference.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch present a distinct contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, resulting in a medium-light feel. This means that typists who prefer a heavier switch for a firmer keypress will find the V3 Cream Black Pro more appealing, whereas those who favor a lighter switch for extended typing comfort will lean towards the Silent Sakura. Ultimately, if users prefer a firmer, more resistant key feel, the Akko switch is the heavier option, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter choice, conducive to longer sessions without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches, there is a notable difference between the two. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura measures 4.0 mm. This makes the V3 Cream Black Pro the shorter of the two switches, appealing to gamers and users who prefer quicker actuation and responsiveness. On the other hand, the longer 4.0 mm travel distance of the Silent Sakura provides a more traditional and hearty feel, which some users may find more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference: if you favor speed and efficiency, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the ideal option; if you enjoy a deeper key press, the HMX Silent Sakura is the better choice.
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 Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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, sharp, and crisp auditory feedback when activated, which can be appealing if you prefer a more pronounced acoustic profile. This sound signature provides a lively typing experience, making each key press feel engaging. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for discretion, offering a whisper-quiet typing experience. Its sound is designed to be subtle and soft, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, which makes it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Overall, while the V3 Cream Black Pro captivates with its clarity, the Silent Sakura prioritizes silence, catering to different user preferences regarding auditory stimulation.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a notably creamy, bouncy, and polished sensation, promising a smooth and buttery typing experience that many users find pleasurable. This delightful tactile feedback is compounded by the live and elastic rebound characteristics of the switch, making each keystroke feel responsive and dynamic. The overall typing experience is further enhanced by the switch's superior material composition, which notably reduces friction and allows for effortless key travel. On the contrary, the feel of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is not explicitly detailed, leaving some mystery regarding how its characteristics compare. However, it is designed with a focus on comfort and efficiency, boasting a balanced actuation force of 53g that many typists may find satisfactory, even if the precise tactile feedback remains unspecified.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch presents itself as a vibrant and enjoyable option for those seeking auditory feedback alongside a smooth and responsive typing experience, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g caters to individuals looking for a muted and subtle keystroke with a comfortable actuation force. With the former emphasizing a lively sound and tactile response, and the latter prioritizing quiet operation, both switches provide their unique advantages. Depending on your preferences for auditory and tactile sensations, you'll find enjoyable results with either switch, be it the engaging pop of the V3 Cream Black Pro or the gentle touch of the Silent Sakura - 53g.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a medium-heavy keystroke that provides a satisfying pop and clacky sound, while delivering a smooth, creamy feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro is likely your best bet. This switch excels in situations where auditory feedback enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for gamers or typists who appreciate a more tactile response. However, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience that minimizes distractions, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g will be more suitable for you. With its medium-light actuation force and gentle sound profile reminiscent of raindrops, this switch is perfect for office environments or shared spaces where noise is a consideration. Additionally, the Sakura's balanced feel provides a subtly satisfying keystroke without overwhelming your fingers. In the end, your choice should reflect the balance between preferred feedback, sound levels, and the specific contexts in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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