Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX EMO mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find that both offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing users with a lively audible feedback and smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the HMX EMO is a linear switch that offers a feather-light 46g bottom-out force, delivering an effortless and bouncy typing experience. While the Cream Blue Pro is best suited for those who appreciate a tactile feedback, the EMO is ideal for users who prefer a smooth and satisfying typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
46g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX EMO both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound overall. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches designed for RGB lighting. The similarities in their top housing material mean that users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects from both switches.
In terms of bottom housing material, the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the HMX EMO also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering users a similar typing experience with a focus on producing a rich and satisfying sound profile. The shared use of nylon in their bottom housings indicates that users can enjoy a consistent typing experience across both switches.
When it comes to the impact of different housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it is important to consider how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing tends to have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX EMO may have differences in their top and bottom housing materials, the split of qualities between the two components ensures a well-balanced typing experience for users of both switches.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the HMX EMO linear switch, which requires 40 grams of force to actuate. Both switches have relatively light bottom out forces, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro requiring 55 grams and the EMO needing 46 grams. This means that the EMO is lighter overall in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a bit more resistance, which can be appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX EMO linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for their quick response times. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the EMO, which may appeal to those looking for a faster typing experience. On the other hand, the EMO's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing feel for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired responsiveness.
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 EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch stands out for its distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile, making it a great choice for users who enjoy audible feedback. Additionally, it offers a smooth tactile sensation that adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX EMO linear switch is known for its lively and bouncy feel with a light bottom-out force, providing a satisfying and effortless typing experience. While the sound and feel of these switches differ, both offer qualities that cater to different preferences, whether it be a preference for audible feedback or a bouncy typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX EMO switch will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, but either choice is sure to provide a quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams and enjoy a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 46 grams and a bouncy, clacky feel that is exceptionally smooth and satisfying, then the HMX EMO linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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