Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the selection can greatly impact both your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, is lauded for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an enticing choice for users who thrive on audible feedback and enjoy the tactile sensation of each keystroke. With its accented, bouncy, and snappy characteristics, this switch provides a lively typing experience while maintaining a smooth action that appeals to budget-conscious enthusiasts. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switch offers a different tactile experience altogether; being a linear switch, it prioritizes smoothness and a muted sound profile. Crafted with a full nylon construction and a Ly stem, the Deep Navy provides an effortless keystroke without the intermediary tactile bump, catering to those who prefer a clean and silent typing experience. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your typing preferences and style, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Deep Navy, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housing materials. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and resonance. This choice of material lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making each keypress feel crisp and clear. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing's translucency allows for an enhanced RGB lighting effect, creating an aesthetically pleasing illumination that can elevate the overall keyboard experience. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material that imbues the key switches with a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in material properties highlights how the sound profile varies significantly between the two switch types, with polycarbonate driving a more piercing tone and nylon offering a warm, muted resonance.
While their top housings differ, the bottom housings for both models share a notable commonality, as both switches utilize nylon for their construction. This means that both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Deep Navy will exhibit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, thanks to nylon's characteristics as a softer plastic that absorbs sound. Consequently, while the top housings dictate how the sound resonates when releasing a key, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a consistent and rich typing experience on the bottom-out sound and feel. In this regard, users will appreciate similar auditory feedback when bottoming out each keypress, even though the top housing sensations may differ.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate for the V3 Cream Blue Pro's top housing and nylon for both switches' bottom housings creates a harmonious yet varied typing experience. While the polycarbonate top delivers a brighter sound and enhances RGB effects, the nylon bottom in both switches contributes to a rounded and deeper typing experience. Thus, users can anticipate a unique juxtaposition of sounds: the high-pitched clarity from the V3's polycarbonate coupled with a fuller tone from the nylon, versus the HMX's all-around softer sound. This functional diversity ensures that each switch provides its distinct personality while maintaining a cohesive auditory experience through their use of nylon in the bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom-out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom-out force of 55 grams, both classified as medium-light. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it significantly lighter overall. This lighter force of the Deep Navy may appeal to users who prefer less resistance for extended typing sessions, while the heavier feel of the V3 Cream Blue Pro might be favored by those who appreciate a more substantial tactile response. Therefore, users seeking a lighter typing experience would benefit from the HMX Deep Navy, while those preferring a stronger push should consider the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, there's a notable difference in their measurements. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Deep Navy boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that for those seeking quicker responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro might be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial and satisfying keystroke for users who prefer a deeper feel. Overall, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference, with the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro being the shorter option, ideal for rapid gaming responses, while the HMX Deep Navy is the longer switch, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 Blue Pro produces a lively and engaging audio profile characterized by a distinct poppy and clacky tone. This sound provides an audible feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying, creating an atmosphere of involvement during use. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy offers a rich and sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction, which may result in a cleaner, more refined acoustic experience. While both can deliver a variety of auditory feedback based on the keyboard's build and keycap choice, the Cream Blue Pro focuses more on a vibrant, rewarding noise that resonates well in gaming or typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro stands out with its medium tactile design that provides a prominent tactile bump without being overwhelming. This switch is described as accented and bouncy, giving users a spring-like sensation with each keystroke, while also being polished for smooth travel. This combination allows for an engaging and responsive typing experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a little feedback with their presses. The HMX Deep Navy's characteristics, however, are not detailed in the provided information, leaving it unclear how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and overall feel.
Overall, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Deep Navy switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Cream Blue Pro excels with its vibrant sound and tactile feedback, making it a great choice for users who enjoy an audible and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Deep Navy may provide a smoother and sharper sound due to its material construction, though further information would be needed to comprehensively assess its feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on the auditory and tactile experience you value most in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy tactile feedback accompanied by an audible sound profile, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is your ideal choice. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams provides a lively and engaging experience, ideal for both typing and gaming sessions, and the pronounced tactile bumps ensure that you know exactly when a key has registered without being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience, the HMX Deep Navy, with its light actuation force of 45 grams and silky smooth keystrokes, would be more suited to your needs. This switch shines in environments where noise is a concern, and its refined design promotes a seamless and effortless typing flow. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard: choose the Cream Blue Pro for a spirited and responsive tactile experience, or gravitate towards the Deep Navy for a subtle, smooth approach that minimizes sound while maximizing fluidity.
Mentioned in this article
