Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the engaging tactile experience of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro against the seamless smoothness of the HMX Poro. The V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, boasts a delightful, audible sound profile with a satisfying pop and clack, making it an ideal choice for users who crave dynamic auditory feedback along with a pleasing tactile sensation. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy a bouncy and snappy typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a uniquely smooth ride, thanks to its ultra-light actuation force and meticulous lubrication, appealing to users who favor a quiet, fluid typing experience that allows for rapid, uninterrupted key presses. While both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound, they each promise a high-quality experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Poro, notable differences arise in their top housings. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making it particularly effective for setups featuring RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Poro employs a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro emphasizes brightness and clarity, the Poro leans towards warmth and richness in sound.
Both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Poro feature nylon bottom housings, aligning them in this aspect. The nylon material, celebrated for its capacity to muffle and absorb sound, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. This similarity means that, regardless of the differences in their top housings, the bottom-out sound and feel experienced while typing will share a commonality. Both switches will provide users with a dampened auditory feedback during key presses, creating a more composed typing experience. This shared nylon component ensures that the essence of a rounded sound remains present in both models.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housing on the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the nylon bottom housing—as seen in both switches—means users may find comparable results in their typing experiences, particularly regarding how sound is distributed and perceived. While the V3's top housing offers a more vibrant sound profile, the nylon bottom housing ensures depth and resonance that both models exhibit. Thus, users can expect to experience a nuanced auditory symphony when engaging with these switches, with the polycarbonate offering brightness combined with the mellowing effect of nylon from the bottom housing. This unique blend showcases the versatility and diversity achieved by different housing materials in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive to keystrokes. However, there is a distinction in their bottom out forces: the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Poro features a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches require the same effort to activate a key, the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a heavier feel when fully depressed. For typists and gamers who prefer a lighter overall experience, the HMX Poro would be the better option, as it combines a light actuation with a slightly reduced bottom out force, allowing for longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, the Poro switch offers a deeper feel, which some users may find more satisfying and allows for a more pronounced tactile response. In contrast, the shorter 3.3 mm travel of the Cream Blue Pro is suited for those who prefer quicker actuation and responsiveness, a common preference among gamers who favor fast-paced gameplay. Overall, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: if you value rapid response times, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be the better option, while the HMX Poro might be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress sensation.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 Blue Pro switches produce a distinct poppy and clacky profile that resonates well with users who enjoy audible feedback while typing. This lively sound is complemented by their tactile bump, making each keystroke feel rewarding and responsive. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switches also offer a similarly engaging sound experience, noted for their poppy and clacky characteristics. However, it’s worth mentioning that the sound of any mechanical switch can vary based on the specific keyboard construction and keycap materials used, so while both switches deliver an enjoyable auditory experience, the end result may differ slightly depending on your setup.
Regarding feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches are characterized by their medium tactile feedback, striking a balance between pronounced tactility and a smooth typing experience. They are also described as bouncy, offering a spring-like sensation that enhances the overall responsiveness and energy of each keystroke. This liveliness is further complemented by their snappy nature, where the switches quickly respond to key presses. Additionally, they present a polished finish, ensuring a slick and refined feel during use. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switches are meticulously lubricated for an effortlessly smooth glide, which means they lack the tactile bump of the Cream Blue Pro but focus on delivering a consistent linear experience. While they likely do not have the same bounciness or tactility, the ultra-light actuation force can provide a different kind of satisfaction in the typing experience.
Overall, while both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Poro linear switches each bring unique characteristics to the table, they share similarities in their appealing sound profiles and can deliver satisfying typing experiences. The Cream Blue Pro is ideal for those who prefer tactile feedback with a lively auditory experience, while the Poro appeals to users who prioritize smoothness and effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value tactility and a pronounced sound or a silky, linear, and satisfying action.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile feel with pronounced feedback, complemented by a lively and distinct sound, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is likely the better choice for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams offers a balanced typing experience, making it suitable for both typing and gaming, especially if you prefer a more engaged and responsive sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother, quieter experience that emphasizes fluidity, the HMX Poro linear switch would be more appropriate. With a lighter actuation force of just 50 grams and a meticulously lubricated finish, the Poro provides an effortless glide ideal for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions where silence and ease of movement are prioritized. In essence, select the V3 Cream Blue Pro for a tactile and engaging experience and opt for the HMX Poro if seamless motion and quiet operation are at the top of your list.
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