Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Swift 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 Swift both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is praised for its budget-friendly yet high-quality build, with a distinctive poppy and clacky sound that is complemented by its smoothness. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out for its deep sound profile and smoothness, attributed to its nylon housings and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Cream Black Pro is known for its creamy and bouncy feel, the Swift is characterized by its clacky and feathery qualities. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.90 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 extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Swift, we see that the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Swift features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Both switches offer unique sound experiences based on their top housing material, with polycarbonate delivering a clear and resonant sound while nylon provides a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches will likely offer an enhanced sound experience thanks to their distinct housing materials.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches use nylon, which again creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile for both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Swift. This common use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches will deliver a consistent typing experience in terms of sound. While the top and bottom housing materials may differ for each switch, the qualities brought by nylon to the bottom housing will be felt when bottoming out the key, providing a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Swift play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Swift provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings that contribute to a consistent typing experience, absorbing sound to create a rounder sound profile. Whether users prefer a sharper sound with clearer resonance or a deeper sound with fuller tones, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Swift offer unique sound experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, which is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and want to type for longer periods without fatigue. When comparing the two, the V3 Cream Black Pro is the heavier option while the Swift is the lighter one. This means that users will get different results based on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance compared to the Swift. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Black Pro may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Swift may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress. Both switches offer their own advantages, so choosing between them depends on personal preference for travel distance. Ultimately, both switches will provide similar results in terms of keypress feedback, despite their difference in 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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches are characterized by a high-pitched and poppy sound when pressed, providing a sharp and crisp sound that may appeal to those who prefer a brighter sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switches are known for their clacky sound, which is described as sharp, snappy, and percussive, offering a deeper sound profile due to their full nylon housings. While the Cream Black Pro switches lean towards a higher-pitched tone, the Swift switches provide a unique clacky sound that sets them apart.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches are hailed for their creamy and bouncy typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation combined with a spring-like feedback that provides a lively feel during typing. These switches are also described as snappy and polished, providing a refined and sleek typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, the HMX Swift switches are known for being easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a light and comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. Additionally, they share the bouncy and creamy characteristics with the Cream Black Pro switches, providing a smooth and buttery feel similar to the Akko switches.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switches offer a high-pitched and poppy sound profile paired with a creamy and bouncy typing experience, making them a suitable choice for those who enjoy a smooth and lively feel while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switches provide a clacky sound accompanied by an easy-to-press and feathery feel, offering a light and comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who prefers a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoys a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a deep and clacky sound, along with a feathery and easy-to-press feel, the HMX Swift linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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