Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Xinhai 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 Xinhai both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a linear switch renowned for its budget-friendly price and high-quality build. With a distinctive poppy and clacky sound, these switches are smooth and offer a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai is another linear switch that stands out for its PA12 top housing and POM stem, providing a softer acoustics profile and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. While the Cream Black Pro is categorized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', 'Polished', the Xinhai is labeled as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Xinhai both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while both switches share the same top housing material, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting the Xinhai's polycarbonate bottom housing that creates a duller and rounder sound.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Xinhai showcases how the qualities of each material affect the overall sound and feel of the switch. The nylon bottom housing in the V3 Cream Black Pro absorbs more sound than the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Xinhai, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound when a key is released. This split in housing materials highlights how different combinations can create unique typing experiences.
Overall, while both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Xinhai share similar qualities due to their polycarbonate top housings, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profiles. The V3 Cream Black Pro offers a deeper and fuller typing experience with its nylon bottom housing, while the Xinhai provides a rounder and duller sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose the switch that best suits their typing needs based on the housing materials utilized.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Xinhai is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a light typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a medium-heavy feel. The varying actuation and bottom out forces cater to different preferences; those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Xinhai, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro. Both switches offer distinct advantages, with the lighter force of the Xinhai ideal for longer typing sessions, while the heavier force of the V3 Cream Black Pro provides a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing feel for the individual user.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances, making them suitable for users who prioritize quick response times. However, the Xinhai switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. If you prefer a slightly deeper keystroke feel, the Xinhai switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more abrupt and responsive typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch with its slightly shorter travel distance could be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences when it comes to typing feel and response.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 switch offers a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed, while the HMX Xinhai switch produces a clacky, sharp, and snappy sound. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a more poppy sound profile, while the Xinhai has a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall sound profile you desire for your typing experience.
Moving on to feel, both the V3 Cream Black Pro and the HMX Xinhai switches offer a creamy and bouncy typing experience. The V3 Cream Black Pro switch provides a smooth and buttery sensation, with a bouncy and responsive feel, giving an effortless glide with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch also offers a creamy typing experience, with a spring-like feedback that adds a lively rebound when keys are pressed. Both switches deliver a polished and refined finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and HMX Xinhai switches offer similar creamy and bouncy typing experiences, they differ in sound characteristics. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a high-pitched and poppy sound profile, while the Xinhai produces a clacky and higher-pitched resonance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and keycap setups will allow you to determine which one best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a creamy and bouncy typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a unique combination of a bouncy and creamy feel accompanied by a clacky sound, the Xinhai switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing the one that best fits your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
