Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, to the HMX Swift, a linear switch, there are notable differences in sound profile and tactile sensations. The V3 Cream Blue Pro is praised for its distinct poppy and clacky sound, offering a bouncy and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift stands out with a deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, making it easy-to-press and feathery with its delicate 42g actuation force. While the Cream Blue Pro may appeal to users who enjoy a lively and audible feedback paired with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Swift may attract those looking for a quieter and smoother 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
42g
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
3.90 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 extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Swift differ in terms of the top housing material used. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Swift features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. While both materials are suitable for switch housings, the polycarbonate of the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more vibrant and resonant sound, while the nylon of the HMX Swift provides a more muted and fuller sound experience.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Swift opt for nylon. Nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound, with a focus on producing a more rounded and duller sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housings indicates a comparable typing experience in terms of sound profile between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Swift.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a mechanical keyboard switch plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of the switch. While the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound quality ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, the HMX Swift's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with a more muted tone. In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, resulting in a similar typing experience that emphasizes a rounder and duller sound. Ultimately, the differences and similarities in housing materials between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Swift contribute to distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the HMX Swift linear switch. The V3 Cream Blue Pro requires 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out, making it medium-light in terms of force. On the other hand, the Swift only needs 42 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it lighter in comparison. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Swift would be the better option, as it requires less force to type. However, if someone enjoys a more substantial typing feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would provide that with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing intensity. Both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their relatively close 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 Swift linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. In terms of comparison, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Swift. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro may provide a faster and more responsive typing experience, which could be preferred by gamers or individuals looking for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Swift's longer travel distance may offer a more deliberate and satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their typing experience. Both switches offer their own benefits based on personal preference, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro being slightly shorter and the Swift being slightly longer in travel distance.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 tactile switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a deeper sound profile due to its full nylon housings, resulting in a smooth and delicate sound with a 42g actuation force. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switch leans towards a more clacky and audible experience, while the HMX Swift switch offers a quieter and deeper sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These qualities indicate a medium tactile switch with a prominent amount of tactility, a spring-like feedback sensation, super responsiveness, and a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is characterized by being easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy. This means that the Swift switch provides a gentle resistance during key presses, requires minimal exertion, offers a light and comfortable typing experience, and delivers a smooth and buttery sensation when typing.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more audible and tactile typing experience with a creamy sensation, while the HMX Swift linear switch is perfect for users seeking a smoother and quieter typing experience with a light actuation force. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would ultimately depend on the individual's sound and feel preferences. Additionally, keep in mind that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you appreciate a medium-light bottom out force and a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a silky smoothness paired with a deep sound profile, the HMX Swift linear switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value most.
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