Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) stand out as two distinct options, each catering to different preferences. The Akko Cream Blue Pro is celebrated for its vibrant auditory feedback—offering a poppy, clacky sound that many typists find delightful and engaging. This tactile switch is designed for those who relish the sensation of a satisfying bump upon activation, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a lively experience while typing. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) presents a more subdued affair with its linear design. Featuring a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem that delivers a crisp resonance, this switch is tailored for users who prioritize smoothness and fluid key presses without tactile interruptions. Ultimately, choosing between the tactile delight of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the effortless glide of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) depends on your personal preferences in auditory feedback and typing feel; 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
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), we see a divergence in the composition of their top housings that significantly affects their sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, allowing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant auditory experience, particularly benefitting setups with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a softer composition. As a result, the nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that tends to create a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials means that while both switches excel at producing distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences in typing feedback and acoustics.
Interestingly, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. The V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) both boast nylon in this area, which has been established as a classic choice among switch designers for its sound absorption properties. As a result, both models elicit a similar typing experience in terms of sound: a deeper and fuller effect attributable to the softness of the nylon. This similarity offers an avenue for users who appreciate a rounder sound profile in the bottoming-out phase of a keystroke. When typing on either switch, this shared material ensures a consistent base sound, allowing users the potential to experience a design that balances the contrasting effects of their top housings.
In conclusion, the key differences between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) arise from their choice of materials for the top housing, while their identical nylon bottom housings provide a unified sound experience. The V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top generates higher-pitched sounds suited for RGB lighting effects, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) employs nylon to create a softer, more muted auditory landscape. With both switches utilizing nylon for their bottoms, they share a distinctive deeper and fuller typing feel, ensuring that despite the variations in their top housing, users can still enjoy qualities that resonate through their shared bottom material. Ultimately, the selection between these switches may come down to personal sound preferences, as each design philosophy brings unique characteristics to the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, making it more suitable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions due to the easier keystrokes. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, classifying it as medium and appealing to users who prefer a more substantial push feel. Consequently, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the lighter option, while the Xinhai (Heavy) is the heavier switch, providing a markedly different typing experience based on personal preferences for force sensitivity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) measures slightly longer at 3.4 mm. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a shorter travel distance by 0.1 mm, which could appeal to those who prefer quicker response times, especially beneficial for gamers. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) provides a longer travel distance, making it potentially more appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress and deeper feedback. Choosing the V3 Cream Blue Pro would lend to a more responsive typing experience, while the Xinhai (Heavy) may cater to those looking for a more satisfying depth in their keystrokes.
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 Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $3.19.
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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch is celebrated for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, creating a lively auditory experience that appeals to users who enjoy pronounced feedback while typing. Its audible feedback is emphasized by the tactile bump of the switch, which adds to the overall sound character. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a softer acoustics profile due to its PA12 top housing, which lends itself to a more muted and refined sound. However, the POM stem adds a higher-pitched resonance, presenting a crisp tone that may still be appreciated by enthusiasts looking for clarity in their keystrokes. Depending on the keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps, users might experience varied sound qualities with both switches.
In terms of feel, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a delightful tactile sensation categorized as "medium tactile." This means it delivers an accented tactile feedback that is noticeable but not overwhelming, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. The switch feels bouncy, providing an elastic rebound effect that enhances the typing experience. It also has a snappy response due to its efficient spring design, resulting in an engaging experience when typing. Its polished finish allows for smooth key travel, reducing friction for a refined feel. Conversely, the tactile characteristics of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch are not described in the information provided, leaving a gap in its comparative feel against the Akko switch.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch stands out with its lively sound profile and plush tactile feel, making it a robust option for those who seek both auditory and physical feedback in their typing experience. The Xinhai (Heavy) switch, while it offers a more sophisticated and crisp sound, has an unknown tactile feel that could cater to a different set of preferences. Potential users should evaluate their priorities in sound and tactile feedback when choosing between these two switches, as the Akko is likely to provide a more vibrant and dynamic experience while the Xinhai offers a subtle blend of performance and acoustics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the kind of feedback you seek from your keyboard. If you thrive on auditory feedback and enjoy a lively typing experience, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is your ideal match. Its medium-light actuation force provides a satisfying tactile bump that’s accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, making it perfect for both casual usage and writing sessions that demand a bit of enthusiasm in sound and feel. Conversely, if you favor a quieter and more sophisticated typing experience with a focus on smoothness and performance, the Xinhai (Heavy) is the superior choice. With its heavier actuation force, it delivers a precise linear feel that's both soft and refined, making it well-suited for gamers or users who require rapid, uninterrupted keystrokes without the distraction of noise. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal preferences in tactile feedback and sound; the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro will energize your typing with its character, while the Xinhai (Heavy) can offer a more understated yet precise performance.
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