Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. HMX Deep Navy

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Deep Navy provide distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro, a budget-friendly linear switch, stands out with its lively auditory feedback characterized by a poppy, clacky sound, paired with a creamy tactile feel that makes every keystroke a delight. Its attributes of being easy-to-press, feathery, and bouncy create an engaging typing experience for those who appreciate a vibrant connection to their keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy switches offer a completely different allure with their rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to their full nylon construction and unique Ly stem. While the Deep Navy may appeal more to users seeking a refined and consistent typing feel, both switches provide their own unique advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro Linear

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$2.88

$2.00 per 10

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Deep Navy, the most notable difference lies in their top housings. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and transparency, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as the translucent material allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Deep Navy is equipped with a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This distinction in material choice invokes differing auditory experiences between the two switches, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a brighter sound while the Deep Navy provides a more subdued auditory output.

Both switches, however, share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This similarity means that the sound profile produced when typing on either switch will possess a deeper and fuller quality, as nylon's softer properties tend to absorb vibrations. When bottoming out the key, the impact of the nylon is pronounced in both models, providing a consistent feel and sound that is characterized as duller and rounder across both the Cream Yellow Pro and the Deep Navy. This shared bottom housing material ensures some uniformity in the typing experience, allowing users to appreciate a similar bottom-out sound regardless of the differences in the top housing materials.

Ultimately, the overall sound experience when using either switch will exhibit a combination of the characteristics imparted by each housing material. The Cream Yellow Pro’s polycarbonate top housing creates a crisper release sound, while the nylon bottom adds depth to the overall response. Meanwhile, the Deep Navy leverages its nylon top housing for a fuller effect, settled into a warmer sound signature due to the same nylon material in the bottom. Consequently, while the distinct top housing materials lead to different auditory profiles when the keys are released, the consistent use of nylon in the bottoms allows for a similar feel when keys are pressed down, enabling users to enjoy key experiences that are both unique yet reassuringly familiar across both models.

Weight

When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge that cater to distinct user preferences. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Deep Navy is lighter, with an actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This disparity makes the Deep Navy more suitable for users who favor a lighter touch, enabling longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. Conversely, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a more substantial feel that appeals to those seeking a stronger push back during typing. Overall, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is ideal for users who appreciate a heavier switch, the HMX Deep Navy caters perfectly to those who prefer a lighter, more responsive experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches, the differences are notable. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option between the two, whereas the HMX Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, giving it a slightly longer and more traditional feel. This difference means that gamers or users who prefer a faster response time might favor the Cream Yellow Pro for its more abrupt feel, while those who appreciate a more substantial depth may lean towards the Deep Navy switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for either a quicker keystroke or a more pronounced tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches produce a poppy, clacky sound that brings a lively auditory dimension to typing. This characteristic ensures that each keystroke is unmistakably satisfying, making them an enticing choice for users who enjoy a vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Deep Navy switches deliver a rich, sharp sound profile, thanks in part to their full nylon construction, which enhances their acoustic qualities. Both switches, while exhibiting distinct sound signatures, will also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard chassis and the type of keycaps used, which can further modify their auditory characteristics during use.

When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches shine with their easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force for actuation, which significantly reduces finger fatigue. Their feathery touch and bouncy sensation grant a lively and responsive typing experience, making them ideal for extended use, whether for gaming or typing-intensive tasks. The polished nature of these switches adds to their smoothness, ensuring a refined key press. In contrast, while specific details about the feel of the Deep Navy switches are not provided, the expectation of silky smoothness from the Ly stem suggests a smooth and enjoyable typing experience is likely as well. If the Deep Navy shares similar characteristics of responsive actuation and comfort, it would appeal to users looking for a smooth typing experience akin to that of the Cream Yellow Pro.

In conclusion, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Deep Navy switches differ in sound profiles—with one leaning toward a more lively clack and the other toward a rich sharpness—the feel may circle around a theme of comfort and responsiveness. The V3 switches excel with their easy actuation, feathery lightness, and polished finish, making them perfect for those keen on extensive typing sessions. If the Deep Navy switches can provide a similarly smooth feel, they too would offer an enjoyable experience, albeit without the specified nuances available for the Akko switches. Ultimately, selecting between the two will boil down to personal preference in both sound and tactile sensation, while recognizing that both are likely to deliver a satisfying typing experience in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a more tactile and energetic typing experience accompanied by a lively sound, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is an excellent selection. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams makes it suitable for both typing and gaming, providing a balance of resistance and responsiveness without being overly fatiguing during extended sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother, quieter experience, the Deep Navy switches would be your go-to option. With a bottom-out force of just 45 grams and a silky smooth keystroke, they cater to users who prioritize effortless key presses and minimal finger fatigue, whether for long workdays or intensive gaming marathons. Both switches offer unique qualities, and your decision should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and the kind of activities you'll be engaged in on your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro Linear

$2.88

$2.00 per 10

Learn more

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more