Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g represent two distinct approaches to typing satisfaction. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch celebrated for its vibrant, poppy sound profile and creamy, tactile feedback, making it an enticing choice for users who enjoy lively auditory cues and a responsive touch. Its accented, bouncy nature offers an engaging typing experience, especially appealing to those who thrive on the classic clicky sensation. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g stands out as a linear switch designed for a more subdued and whisper-quiet experience. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, these switches excel in providing a smooth and effortless keystroke, ideal for typists seeking a serene environment without sacrificing the satisfaction of a well-designed switch. Both options have their merits: the V3 Cream Blue Pro for those who love tactile feedback and sound, and the Silent Sakura for users prioritizing quiet operation and smoothness. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g feature distinctly different housing materials, with the V3 opting for polycarbonate for its top housing while the Silent Sakura utilizes nylon. The choice of polycarbonate in the V3 Cream Blue Pro results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is more pronounced and resonant due to the material's stiffer properties. This quality allows for a clearer sound, which is particularly enhanced if RGB lighting is incorporated, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through beautifully. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Silent Sakura produces a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing sound waves more effectively due to its softer nature. This leads to a duller, rounder auditory experience, making it more suitable for users who prefer a quieter, more subdued typing sound.
On the flip side, both switches utilize different materials for their bottom housings, with the V3 using nylon and the Silent Sakura employing polycarbonate. This switch configuration causes a mutual exchange of acoustic characteristics: the nylon in the V3 brings about a thicker, softer sound profile that cushions the bottom-out effect during typing, while still allowing for a richer sound resonance. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Silent Sakura contributes to a sharper finish with audibly snappy bottom-out sounds, making it engaging for users who enjoy an assertive typing experience. Thus, even with different top and bottom pairing materials, both switches can produce a blend of satisfying auditory feedback, tailored to different user preferences.
Overall, the differences in material choices lead to contrasting sound profiles for each switch, yet they also have the potential for complementary attributes. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a crisper sound with its polycarbonate top paired with a face-softening nylon bottom, the HMX Silent Sakura presents a more muted experience with its nylon top and sharp polycarbonate bottom. Typing on these switches will elicit different acoustic results, especially based on how the unique materials interact during use. Ultimately, your typing experience will be defined by the interplay of the two housings, allowing for customized auditory feedback tailored to each individual's preference and often leading to similarly satisfying results in terms of feel and responsiveness, despite the acoustic disparities.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a light touch ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly higher measurement at 55 grams compared to the Silent Sakura's 53 grams. This means that while both switches offer a similar feel when initially pressing the key, the V3 Cream Blue Pro requires a bit more force to press all the way down. As a result, the Silent Sakura can deliver a marginally lighter typing experience when fully depressed, making it a slightly better option for those who favor a reduced resistance in long usage scenarios. In summary, both switches cater to different user preferences based on their bottom out forces, with the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro being the heavier option in overall force exertion.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a slightly shorter actuation distance, which can be beneficial for gamers and those who prioritize rapid response times in their typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, often preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keystroke and the tactile feedback it delivers. As a result, individuals who prefer a responsive and quick keypress might gravitate towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation will likely appreciate the HMX Silent Sakura. Ultimately, if you are looking for enhanced responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be the preferable choice.
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 Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 distinctly sharp and lively auditory experience, characterized by a poppy and clacky profile. This makes them particularly appealing for users who enjoy feedback that is both rich and resonant, creating an engaging typing atmosphere. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer a much quieter performance, akin to gentle raindrops tapping on a window, designed for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. While both switches deliver satisfying sounds, the choice ultimately hinges on whether one favors a more interactive and vibrant acoustic environment or a discreet, stealthy performance.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is celebrated for its multi-faceted character, offering a balanced combination of tactile feedback and smoothness. They are best categorized as medium tactile switches with an accented response, providing a pleasant sense of resistance without overwhelming the typist. The bouncy and snappy nature of these switches enhances their feedback, making typing both engaging and lively, while the polished finish contributes to a smooth key travel experience. The Silent Sakura - 53g, however, lacks a detailed tactile description in this instance, but they are designed for a whisper-quiet operation, which may suggest they are engineered for a softer touch, prioritizing subtlety over tactile sensation.
In summary, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switches offer a vibrant and responsive typing experience, characterized by their audible feedback and lively feel, making them suitable for those who enjoy an interactive typing style. In stark contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g switches embody a quiet elegance, targeting users who prioritize a calm typing environment over sound and intensively tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel; choosing one over the other will lead to distinctly different typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch boils down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a lively typing experience with substantial audible feedback, the Cream Blue Pro is an excellent option. Its pronounced tactile bump and snappy response make it ideal for typists who appreciate a blend of tactile sensation and an engaging sound profile, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience—perhaps due to shared workspaces or late-night typing—the Silent Sakura - 53g switches are tailored for you. With their smooth operation and gentle keystrokes, they provide subtle satisfaction without the distraction of noise, making them perfect for focused tasks or office settings. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and environment, ensuring that your keyboard enhances your experience whether you're typing away at home or in a shared space.
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