Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus 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 Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its engaging, poppy sound and smooth tactile feedback, making it a fantastic choice for typists and enthusiasts who enjoy a responsive and auditory experience without breaking the bank. Its bouncy and snappy nature elevates the typing experience, adding an element of joy with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch is engineered with gamers in mind, featuring an impressively low actuation force that facilitates lightning-fast key presses—perfect for those intense gaming sessions. Its bright and clacky sound profile contributes to a lively atmosphere, while the smooth push feel ensures swift and accurate input. Both switches have their merits: the Cream Blue Pro excelling in tactile feedback and sound, while the Vintage Citrus is unparalleled for speed 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
48g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles and user experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This attribute is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as the clear housing enhances the illumination effects. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material that provides a rounder and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a typing experience characterized by a muted and softer auditory feedback, diverging from the crispness of polycarbonate.
Comparing the bottom housings, both the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus are made of nylon, which represents a common ground in their design. Since nylon is known for absorbing sound, this shared material leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the differences in the top housing. Consequently, while each switch's top housing contributes unique acoustic qualities—crisp and sharp in the case of the V3 Cream Blue Pro and round and dull for the Vintage Citrus—the bottom housing's consistency allows for a similarly rich and softer auditory experience during key presses. This means that users can expect deep, full sounds when bottoming out each switch, regardless of the differences in their top materials.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Vintage Citrus lead to distinct typing sounds and experiences, framed by their shared nylon bottom housing. While the V3's polycarbonate upper creates a brighter sound when releasing a key, the Vintage Citrus's nylon upper fosters a more subdued tone. The bottom housing acts as a bridge between the two designs, ensuring a consistent depth of sound that appeals to those who prefer a fuller auditory experience. By understanding these differences and similarities, users can select a switch that best fits their typing preference, whether they lean towards a more vibrant sound with the polycarbonate or the comforting depth of the nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, both exhibit medium-light characteristics, but they differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Vintage Citrus switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Akko switch is the lighter option, potentially making it more suitable for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus, with its marginally higher actuation, provides a slightly more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. Overall, while both switches offer a relatively similar feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is designed for those who favor lighter keys, while the Vintage Citrus caters to users who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see that the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Vintage Citrus boasts a travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Vintage Citrus, offering a more pronounced key press feel. For users who enjoy a deeper, more tactile experience, the longer travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro may be preferable, as it provides a greater sense of depth when typing. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter 3 mm travel distance, caters to those who prioritize quicker response times, often favored by gamers looking for efficient keystroke actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for depth and 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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus 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
The sound profile of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches is characterized by a distinct poppy and clacky tone that provides lively auditory feedback, making it particularly enjoyable for typists and gamers alike. This switch combines its audible sound with a commendable level of smoothness, ensuring that each keystroke offers a satisfying acoustic experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile, tailored for rapid-fire keyboard inputs. Though both switches produce a clacky sound, the overall sound experience may differ based on the specific keyboard build and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro switches stand out with their medium tactile characteristic, described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. This combination ensures that users experience a pronounced yet not overwhelming tactile feedback, paired with a springy sensation that gives each keystroke a lively rebound. In contrast, details regarding the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch are unknown; however, it is specifically designed for gamers, suggesting it may prioritize responsiveness and a seamless push experience for rapid inputs.
Overall, both the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer distinct qualities, with the Cream Blue Pro excelling in tactile feedback and an engaging sound profile, while the specifics of the Vintage Citrus remain less detailed in terms of feel. If you favor a lively and tactile typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro shines brightly, whereas if you prioritize speed and rapid actuation, the Vintage Citrus switch might cater to your gaming needs. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch aligns best with your typing style and auditory enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences as a keyboard user. If you are someone who enjoys a noticeable tactile feedback and an engaging typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a fantastic option. Its medium-light actuation force paired with a poppy, clacky sound profile provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction, making it ideal for typists and casual gamers who appreciate a lively keystroke. On the other hand, if you primarily game and require fast, responsive key presses, the Vintage Citrus switch would better serve your needs. With an incredibly low actuation distance and a smooth push feel, this switch excels in rapid inputs, making it perfect for competitive gaming scenarios. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the tactile richness of the V3 Cream Blue Pro or the rapid-fire prowess of the Vintage Citrus, both switches cater to distinct preferences that can enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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