Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that stands out for its poppy and clacky sound profile and smooth tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy an audible response coupled with a pleasing tactile sensation. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a lively typing experience without breaking the bank. In contrast, the HMX Twilight, a linear switch, offers a quieter typing experience with an extended 3.85mm travel distance, catering to users who prefer a smoother, less tactile feedback while maintaining HMX's signature clacky sound. Each switch serves distinct preferences: the Cream Blue Pro for its lively engagement and tactile feedback, and the Twilight for its quiet, uninterrupted flow. 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
3.85 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 Twilight, we can see distinct differences in their top housing compositions. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. This characteristic makes the polycarbonate particularly appealing for RGB enthusiasts, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. Conversely, the HMX Twilight utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound. This translates to a deeper and fuller sound profile, yielding a more subdued auditory experience. Thus, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro leans towards clarity and brightness, the Twilight offers a more rounded and warmer sound, showcasing how material choices can significantly influence the overall acoustic performance of a switch.
Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Twilight feature nylon. With nylon being a classic switch housing material, this choice amplifies the deeper and fuller sound profile inherent to both models. The softness of nylon allows for a more absorbent nature, thereby creating a softer bottom-out sound that contributes to the overall typing experience. This means that despite the contrasting top housing materials, the bottom housings ensure a comparable depth of sound and tactile feedback for each switch, allowing users to enjoy a rich auditory sensation whether they choose the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the Twilight.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in these two switches inevitably highlights their unique sound signatures while maintaining a consistent depth due to the nylon bottom housing. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top provides a brighter, more ringing sound that will be enhanced by RGB lighting, whereas the nylon top of the Twilight delivers a more subdued and rounded auditory profile. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches align in their use of nylon, ensuring that the fundamental typing experience remains rich and satisfying. Therefore, despite their differences, users can still achieve a harmonious typing feel and sound with either option, thanks to the shared characteristics of the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, a few significant differences emerge regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Twilight switch is lighter at 42 grams. This difference suggests that users who favor a more tactile and substantial typing experience might prefer the V3 Cream Blue Pro, while those who seek a gentler touch could find the Twilight more comfortable for extended use. In terms of bottom out force, the V3 Cream Blue Pro also has a higher value at 55 grams compared to the Twilight’s 50 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro will provide a firmer feel when fully depressed, appealing to those who appreciate a weightier key press. Overall, the Twilight switch is the lighter option, making it ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, whereas the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more robust push for a satisfying keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the HMX Twilight linear switch, which features a longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights the preferences users might have when selecting a switch: the shorter 3.3 mm travel of the Cream Blue Pro allows for quicker actuation, appealing to gamers and those who prioritize responsiveness. Conversely, the HMX Twilight's 3.85 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which may be preferred by users who appreciate a deeper keypress. Ultimately, if you're looking for a rapid response, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is the better choice, whereas the HMX Twilight may offer a more satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a longer 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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 distinct poppy and clacky sound profile that many users find gratifying. The audible feedback enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch, while still maintaining some clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, offers a quieter sound due to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. This difference highlights that the V3 Cream Blue Pro is best suited for those who desire a more pronounced auditory feedback, whereas the Twilight caters to users who prefer a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is characterized by its medium tactile response, which strikes a balance—it’s not too overwhelming yet provides significant tactility. The touch sensation is further enhanced by aspects like a bouncy feel, which gives a lively, spring-like feedback, and its snappy nature makes each keypress feel responsive and alive. Additionally, the polished design of the switch results in smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight’s feeling profile remains unknown, making it harder to compare directly in terms of tactility and responsiveness.
In summary, both switches cater to different preferences: the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is known for its pronounced sound and lively tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who appreciate auditory and tactile sensations in their typing experience. The HMX Twilight, while potentially offering some clacky sounds, leans toward a quieter operation, but lacks sufficient information on its tactile feedback. Depending on your priorities—whether you seek pronounced sound and tactility or a quieter linear experience—you will find each switch caters to distinct styles of typing that appeal to various users.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a more tactile feel that offers distinct feedback with each keypress and a delightful poppy sound, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is an excellent choice, particularly suited for typing and tasks where you value auditory and tactile sensations. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams will give you a satisfying rebound while typing, making it enjoyable for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter and smoother experience with a more linear travel, the HMX Twilight is likely your best fit. With a lighter actuation at 50 grams and an extended 3.85mm travel distance, it excels in enhancing speed and fluidity, which can be particularly advantageous for gaming or rapid typing without the distraction of excess noise. Thus, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile engagement or linear efficiency, allowing you to find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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